How to Prevent Receding Gums

Our Team — Pickering, ON

It can, and usually does, happen without you even knowing it.  You smile a big smile in the mirror and you notice something – your teeth seem ever so slightly taller or longer than they used to be.  You have receding gums.  Receding gums is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth pulls back or is worn away, exposing more of the teeth and their roots.  It can be serious problem especially with heavy recession as the gaps that can form between the teeth can allow bacteria to build up and can even result in severe damage to teeth and the surrounding bone if left untreated.  In order to understand what you’re dealing with there are some things you should know about receding gums.

Causes

Gum disease is the largest cause of receding gums – the bacteria destroys tissue around the teeth and attacks the supporting bone structure as well.  Hard or incorrect tooth brushing can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede.  Inadequate brushing can also make it easy for tartar to build up which itself can lead to issues with receding gums.  Additional contributing factors include hormonal changes, heredity, smoking, and grinding your teeth.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Treatment

If receding gums become enough of an issue that treatment becomes necessary mild or moderate recession can be treated by deep cleaning and potentially antibiotics.  If the recession has progressed into becoming severe it may require dental (periodontal) surgery to treat.

Prevention

Preventing gum recession can be as easy as taking good care in maintaining dental hygiene.  Brush and floss every day and see your dentist at least twice a year.  Always use a soft bristled toothbrush and follow the correct instructions on how to use it.  If receding is caused by grinding or crooked teeth you should get the issue corrected by your dentist as soon as possible.  Make sure to keep an eye on your gums if you sense a problem and see your dentist if you’re worried.

Taking care of your gums isn’t too difficult but if you are noticing an additional sensitivity or you’re worried about your dental care in general contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Helpful Resources

Veneers

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

The Importance of Preventative Gum Maintenance

Anyone who has had to endure periodontal surgery will tell you that taking care of your gums is a crucial part of your dental care.   Whether you want to end the bleeding you experience while brushing, or never ever want to experience it, there are steps that can be taken to keep your gums healthy.   Here are some of the keys to preventative gum maintenance:

Medical

There are numerous systematic health conditions related to gum disease such as heart disease, diabetes as well as a multitude of other medical conditions and risks.  This only re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a regular hygiene programme and healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing

Brushing two to three times a day is recommended to everyone for a reason.  It prevents plaque buildup which in turn prevents gum disease.  Timing is hugely beneficial too with the most ideal times typically being; after breakfast/prior to leaving for the day, after meals and sugary snacks and, before bed.  Be sure to watch what kind of brush you use – you’ll want soft bristles as anything harder can cause damage such as gum recession and enamel erosion.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Flossing

Other than brushing, nothing is more crucial to gum care than cleaning between your teeth.  Whether using old fashioned floss, floss picks, or new interdental brushes, making sure you are clear of plaque buildup and harmful bacteria will do a great deal to alleviate the risks for and symptoms of gingivitis.

Mouthwash

Therapeutic, not cosmetic, mouthwash can be a boon to gum health as well, providing another weapon in the war on gum disease.

Diet

Be sure to watch the amount of sugar consumed as it can feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.  Stay away from added sugars, and make sure to ingest enough calcium to keep up your protection against dental issues and jaw deterioration.  Remember to brush when possible after enjoying sugary treats and beverages.

Regular Dental Visits

Gum conditions are often painless and without symptoms when they begin.  It’s important, therefore, to regularly see your dentist so they can assess any issues you might have.  Have regular checkups every six months or more often if you’re at greater risk of oral diseases.

Follow these guidelines of preventative gum maintenance and you should be able to stave off any problems.  If you are showing signs of gum disease or need to see a professional to get a checkup, contact our team today, and we’ll help you get your gums back on the right track.

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

How Turmeric Can Help Treat Oral Cancer

 In recent years, there have been numerous studies conducted to measure the impact of natural products on our health. Now, we’ve recently discovered that the yellow spice turmeric could be beneficial in treating some forms of oral cancer. Our latest blog will go into further detail on the benefits turmeric provides and how you can begin to integrate the product within your daily health care regimen.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a leading factor behind the development of oral cancer. While researchers are studying potential cures for oral cancer and for HPV, they’ve found that the spice turmeric offers “established anti-viral and anti-cancer properties”. Researchers originally noted the impacted that turmeric can have on HPV and cervical cancers in 2005. Then, medical teams found that turmeric can help slow the expression of HPV and could control the HPV infection. The new findings further highlight the benefits that turmeric can have on our oral health.
Learn more about frequently asked questions.

The studies showed that turmeric can turn down the expression of HPV in infected oral cancer cells by down-regulating the AP-1 and NF-kB cellular transcription factors. These findings could indicate that turmeric can have a therapeutic role in oral cancer control as medical teams seek to minimize the extent of the danger oral cancer causes and control its spread across the body.

Turmeric for Daily Oral Health

In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, turmeric can also impact day-to-day oral health, research from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology has shown. A study completed in 2014 found that rinsing the mouth daily with a solution containing 0.1% turmeric extract was more beneficial in terms of treating gingivitis than traditional mouthwash products. The study also showed that turmeric contained anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties.

These studies continue to show that turmeric supplements, commonly available at most health food stores, can have a significant impact on oral health. It’s an area of rich promise for the dental health field and one that could be crucial to ensuring your optimal dental health in future! To learn more on this exciting development, speak with our trusted clinic team today!

Helpful Resources

oral sedation

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

What Dietary Supplements Are Good For Oral Health?

With dietary supplements now more commonly available than ever before, it’s important that patients research the marketplace carefully and make sure they’re selecting the right products for their oral health requirements. The question regarding dietary supplements and oral health is one that we often receive from patients within our clinic and so within this post, we’ll outline several of the dietary supplements that have been proven effective in protecting and boosting oral health over the long-term. Vitamin D Low vitamin D levels have been linked with periodontal disease in numerous studies. Vitamin D works in numerous ways to improve oral health. For example, the supplement can produce cathelicidin and defensins, which have antimicrobial properties. These compounds work to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent disease from impacting the patient over time. Vitamin D also works to reduce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have also been associated with periodontal disease. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids Many take vitamin C on a regular basis to improve their health in the fight to prevent colds and other conditions. However, vitamin C has also been shown to impact oral health as well. For example, studies have shown that patients who take vitamin C with bioflavonoids can achieve greater gum healing effects. This could be beneficial for those who experience regular gum bleeding as vitamin C works to promote the tissue healing process. Green Tea Supplements Taking green tea in the form of a supplement or in liquid form has been shown to significantly improve oral health. Patients can reduce the risk of losing teeth by up-to 20% by taking green tea supplements on a regular basis, according to a recent study in Japan. Recent studies have also indicated that green tea can help to inhibit certain kinds of oral bacteria and increase the acid resistance of tooth enamel. It’s a supplement that could offer protection to those with numerous challenging oral health conditions. These are just a few of the examples of health supplements that can improve dental health and reduce oral care issues for the years ahead. It’s important to speak with your dental care professional before taking any dietary supplement for oral health. To learn more about the various supplements available on the marketplace, speak with our trusted and trained team today!

Helpful Resources

periodontal care

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

It’s happened to most people at one time or another. You brush your teeth normally and then notice some blood on the white bristles of the brush. It can be startling when it first occurs. But it’s important to understand why gum bleeding happens and what can be done to prevent the bleeding in future. Here, we’ll analyze the question “Why do my gums bleed when brushing?”

1. Lack of Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

When your teeth are not professionally cleaned by a dental professional on a regular basis, plaque, tartar and calculus can accumulate under the gum line over time. The longer these materials stay on the teeth, the more likely they are to lead to problems such as inflammation of the gums – or gingivitis. While plaque can be cleaned with regular brushing, tartar build-up removal requires dental equipment and expertise.  When plaque is not removed it can easily lead to more serious dental diseases.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

2. Pregnancy or Hormones

For many women, gums can become more sensitive during pregnancy. Fluctuations within hormone levels lead to “pregnancy gingivitis”, which increases blood flow to the gums and other tissues. And because pregnancy can affect the body’s normal response to bacteria, you may become more susceptible to periodontal diseases when you’re pregnant.  Speaking with an OBGYN or your Dentist can ensure the problem is resolved through treatment.

3. Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders are highly serious cause of bleeding gums. One of the main symptoms of bleeding disorders is the body’s inability to clot, leading to blood loss. Those suffering bleeding disorders might also notice small bruises on their gums after brushing. With proper treatment most bleeding disorders are highly manageable. But they’re still very dangerous. It’s imperative to speak with a dental professional as soon as possible if you suspect you’re suffering from a bleeding disorder.

No matter what the cause of the gum bleeding issue, it’s important to have the problem analyzed by a Dentist. Only by undergoing a professional evaluation process can gum bleeding sufferers determine the root cause of their issue.  Preventing discomfort and ensuring exceptional oral health begins with seeking out expert advice. 

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Why Gums May Bleed When Brushing Your Teeth

When brushing your teeth, do you find that your gums tend to bleed?  Many people deal with this issue, and it's more common than you think.  You may think that you're not even using enough pressure while brushing your teeth to cause your gums to bleed, but this problem isn't the fault of your tooth brush- it's a sign that your gums need to be healthier.  At this time, we're going to look at some of the reasons why your gums may bleed when brushing your teeth.

Why Gums May Bleed When Brushing Your Teeth

We've listed some of the reasons why your gums may bleed while brushing your teeth below:

-You may have periodontal (gum) disease.  A less severe form of this disease is known as gingivitis, and it is widely prevalent.  You can prevent this from happening by taking the right steps to give yourself the proper oral care that you need. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to eliminate plaque, and prevent tartar buildup from forming. When you don't brush or floss your teeth properly, it can lead to bacteria forming, leaving your gums swollen, red, and irritated. If you notice that your gums tend to bleed easily, consult with your dentist. It's important to remember that the overall health of your gums is very significant, so take the right steps to take proper care of them.  Remember to follow the advice and recommendations of Dr. Lean and his Team for your oral health.

-You may be scrubbing your gums too vigorously.  Remember that your gums are sensitive, so take care of them when brushing your teeth and flossing.

A reputable dental clinic that's been highly praised for over 25 years is Pickering Square Dental. This family dentistry location provides all visitors, from children to seniors, with a comfortable, soothing environment. Whether you want to watch TV or listen to music, these dental experts will help you relax while they take proper care of your teeth. On top of the multitude of services that are available to patients, Pickering Square Dental also offers laser dentistry! To learn more about this popular dental clinic, check out pickeringsquaredental.com.

Helpful Resources

Dental Crown

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.