Educational Resources

What is it?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually starts with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, which causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss.

If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, an irreversible bacterial infection which is a more serious form where the gums recede from the teeth, supporting bone and ligament is lost, and teeth may eventually loosen or fall out.

Think of it like this: your gums are the foundation for your teeth. If the foundation weakens, the whole structure is at risk.

📊 How Common Is It?

• Over 21% of Canadian adults, about 1 in 5 adults, have moderate or severe periodontitis (CHMS Survey – Canada.ca).
• Among seniors (65+), about 60% are affected by moderate to severe gum disease [1].
• Globally, it's estimated that 20% to 50% of adults have some degree of gum disease — that’s over 1 billion people [1].

⚠️ Why Is It a Big Deal?

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — it can impact your overall health. Research has linked advanced periodontal disease to:

• Coronary Heart disease
• Diabetes complications
• Respiratory issues
• Neurologic Diseases
• Gastrointestinal Diseases including Cancer
• Pregnancy problems (ex. low birth weight)
• And of course, it can lead to tooth loss, which affects your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

🪥 How Can You Prevent It?

• Brush with a soft toothbrush and appropriate technique twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily or utilize other interproximal aid to remove plaque between teeth
• Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Avoid smoking, which doubles your risk of gum disease

🧠 Final Thought

Periodontal disease is often called a “silent disease” because it can progress without pain. That’s why regular dental visits and daily care are so important — they help identify problems early and keep your smile healthy for life.

📚 References

• [1] Periodontal Disease: Statistics, Trends, and Prevalence - NewMouth
• [2] Darby M. & Walsh, M. (2024). Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice. 5th ed. Elsevier.

A dental hygiene appointment is more than just a “cleaning.” It’s a comprehensive assessment and preventive care session that usually includes:

1. Medical History Review

What happens: The hygienist asks about any changes in your health, medications, or symptoms.

Why it matters: Information from the health history is used to determine health status, contraindications to care, oral & general health side effects, need for medical consultation before dental hygiene procedures are implemented, and potential medical emergencies.

2. Digital Radiographs

What happens: The hygienist and dentist assess your need for radiographs in order to supplement their clinical observations and formulation of a dental and hygiene diagnosis.

Why it matters: Various types of radiographs may be taken in order to assess periodontal disease, cavities, and other types of infections that may be present.

3. Oral Exam

What happens: The hygienist checks your gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth for signs of disease, decay, or abnormalities.

Why it matters: Early detection of issues like cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer can lead to easier and more effective treatment.

4. Plaque and Calculus Removal

What happens: Using various instruments, the hygienist removes plaque and calculus from your teeth, especially around the gumline.

Why it matters: These bacteria deposits are major factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

5. Teeth Polishing

What happens: Your teeth are polished with a mildly abrasive toothpaste and a rotating brush.

Why it matters: This removes surface stains and smooths the tooth, making it harder for plaque to stick.

6. Flossing

What happens: The hygienist flosses between your teeth to remove remaining debris.

Why it matters: It ensures a thorough clean and helps identify where you might need to improve your flossing technique.

7. Fluoride Treatment

What happens: A fluoride gel or varnish is applied to your teeth.

Why it matters: Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities, especially in people at higher risk.

8. Oral Hygiene Education

What happens: You’ll receive personalized guidance on brushing, flossing, and home care aids.

Why it matters: Oral home care routines are your first defense against dental problems.

✅ Benefits of Regular Dental Hygiene Appointments

• Prevents periodontal disease and tooth decay
• Keeps your breath fresh
• Helps maintain a bright, healthy smile
• Saves money by avoiding costly treatments later
• Supports overall health

Dental implants are a surgically titanium post that replaces missing teeth. It can act as an anchor for a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, and helps to prevent further tooth loss or bone loss in the jaw. Proper care is essential to ensure long-term success.

✅ Daily Care

• Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Floss daily using implant-specific floss or interdental brushes to clean around the implant.
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse (like chlorhexidine) if recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid smoking, which can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

🛑 What to Avoid

• Hard or sticky foods during the healing period.
• Using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects.

🩺 Follow-Up

• Attend all scheduled check-ups to monitor healing and implant stability.
• Notify your dentist if you notice pain, swelling, or if the implant feels loose.

Fixed prostheses are permanently cemented or screwed into place and cannot be removed by the patient.

✅ Daily Care

• Brush and floss thoroughly, especially around the gumline and under bridgework.
• Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean under bridges.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard candies to prevent cracking.

🛑 Watch For

• Prolonged sensitivity or discomfort that lasts more than seconds.
• Food getting trapped under the bridge.

Removable prostheses need daily cleaning and proper handling to maintain oral health and comfort.

✅ Daily Care

• Remove and rinse after eating to remove food particles.
• Brush daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner (not toothpaste).
• Soak overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and clean.
• Clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft toothbrush or gauze.

🛑 What to Avoid

• Hot water (can damage shape of dentures).
• Harsh cleaners or bleach.
• Wearing dentures 24/7 — give your soft tissues a break at night to avoid yeast/fungal infections.

🩺 When to Call the Dentist

• If your dentures feel loose, cause sores, or make chewing difficult.

🧠 Why It Matters

What you eat affects your teeth and gums just as much as brushing and flossing. A balanced diet strengthens your teeth, supports your immune system, and helps prevent oral diseases like tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease [1] [2].

✅ Best Foods for Oral Health

• 🥛 Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, sardines & salmon, almonds, calcium-fortified foods, figs, beans & lentils.
• 🐟 Phosphorus-Rich Foods: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy.
• 🥬 Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, celery, leafy greens, cucumbers.
• 💧 Water: Helps rinse food particles and support saliva flow.
• 🥚 Vitamin D: Sunlight, fortified milk, eggs, fatty fish or supplements.
• 🍊 Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli.

🚫 Foods and Habits to Limit

• 🍭 Sugary snacks and drinks (e.g., candy, soda, sweetened coffee/tea).
• 🍋 Acidic foods and drinks (e.g., vinegar, soda, wine, citrus).
• 🍪 Sticky or starchy foods (e.g., chips, crackers, dried fruit).
• 🚬 Tobacco and alcohol (increases risk of gum disease and oral cancer).

🦷 Smart Eating Habits

• Snack smart: choose cheese, nuts, or crunchy veggies instead of sweets.
• Rinse or brush after meals: especially after acidic or sugary foods.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
• Don’t graze all day: frequent snacking increases acid exposure.

📚 References

• [1] Nutrition and Oral Health | American Dental Association - ADA
• [2] Oral Health - The Nutrition Source