Dr. Jason Chan, General Dentist
Amalgam Fillings / Silver Mercury Fillings
White Fillings / Composite Fillings
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth, and tartar (also knows as calculus) is a build up of hardened plaque around the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, and periodontitis can eventually lead to loss of teeth. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
1. Red and Swollen Gums
2. Tender Gums
3. Gums that Bleed when Brushing / Flossing
4. Bad Breath (also known as Halitosis)
The best treatment for gingivitis is a thorough dental cleaning. The best prevention of gingivitis is to maintain good oral hygiene regimen every day. Good oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing with the right technique for the right amount of time.
It is important to remember that smoking hides the signs of gingivitis, and make it more difficult for dentist to detect gingivitis. As a result, many smokers may eventually lose their teeth because their gingivitis and periodontitis cannot be properly diagnosed. Contact the dentist immediately if you feel that you have signs and symptoms of gingivitis.
Beside poor oral hygiene, other causes of gingivitis may include:
1. Hormonal Changes: such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause or as part of menstrual cycle
2. Medication: such as Dilantin, medication for angina and more
3. Diseases: such as cancer, diabetes, HIV
What is Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the inflammation of the gums and the destruction of the bone around the teeth. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, and periodontitis leads to the break down of bone around the teeth. Eventually, the teeth become loose and the teeth may fall out due to the amount of bone loss.
Untreated periodontitis may increase risk of stroke and heart attack. The health of the gums has a direct relationship to the health of the body. Periodontitis has been linked to an increase in risk of stroke and heart attack. That is why it is important to maintain excellent gum health. Signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:
1. Red and Swollen Gums
2. Pain on Touching Gums
3. Gums that Bleed when Brushing / Flossing
4. Receding Gums
5. Pus in between Teeth and Gums
6. Bad Breath
7. Loss of teeth
Currently, periodontitis is treated by frequent deep dental cleanings. The best prevention of periodontitis is to maintain good oral hygiene every day. Good oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing with the right technique for the right amount of time.
LASER therapy is a new type of treatment for periodontitis. Soft tissue diode LASERS are used to decontaminate gum pockets and kill the type of bacteria that causes periodontitis. In some cases, bone grows back around teeth that have received LASER therapy.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning (also known as a dental scaling or dental prophylaxis) is a procedure where a dentist or a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar off of the teeth using ultrasconic instruments and hand instruments. The length of time required to perform such a procedure depends on the severity of plaque and tartar build up. A proper dental cleaning can prevent cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What is a Dental Polishing?
A dental polishing is the process of smoothing the surface of the teeth using polishing instruments. It is important to have smooth tooth surfaces because it prevents the accumulation of food and bacteria. As a result, smooth teeth are less likely to develop cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis. Additionally, staining on the teeth are typically removed during the dental polishing. This leaves a beautiful and healthy smile!
Why is it Important to Keep Your Teeth?
There are three main reasons why it is important to keep as many of your natural teeth as possible:
1. Function
Teeth maintain proper chewing function. Front teeth are used to cut into food like knives, and back teeth are used to grind food down like hammers. Patients who are missing back teeth typically use their front teeth to chew their food. That would be like using a knife as a hammer. Eventually the front teeth will dull, crack or fracture. As a result, people who are missing some teeth are more likely to lose the remainder of their teeth when compared to those who have all of their teeth. It is important to keep all of your teeth because every tooth has a different function.
2. Esthetics and Confidence
Studies shows that people with all their teeth are more likely to smile. People who smile appear more confident, and typically go further in their career when compared to those who don't smile. People who smile more are better liked by their peers than those who smile less.
People who are missing teeth may be embarrassed to show their smile, and this significantly affects their confidence. People who smile less may give the impression that they are unhappy . Studies shows that people who smile less are at a disadvantage when being considered for a promotion in their career when compared to those who smile more.
3. Facial Profile
The presence of teeth stimulates the maintenance of the thickness and the height of the jaw bone. In the absence of teeth, the jaw bone begins to shrink. This gives an appearance of a collapsed face, and makes the person look older than they are. The presence of a full set of teeth maintains the profile of the face and makes the person look more youthful.
604 Dental - Vancouver
5733 Main Street,
Vancouver, BC V5W 4C7