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.

5 Possible Causes of Gum Bleeding

When you notice traces of blood in your saliva after brushing or flossing, it can be a disconcerting experience. But there could be a perfectly harmless reason for gum bleeding. It’s important to do your research, however, and make sure a more serious medical or dental concern is not behind your bleeding issue. Within this blog, we’ll outline five possible causes of gum bleeding.

1. Poor Hygiene

Have you been skipping occasionally skipping brushing and flossing a minimum of twice daily? This could be the reason that your gums are inflamed and bleeding.  Poor oral hygiene habits can cause the build-up of plaque and tartar on the gums. This, in turn, can cause the gums to bleed at even the slightest contact from the brush.  If not addressed it could lead to more serious oral health issues!

2. Vitamin C Deficiency.
Learn more about family dentistry services in Pickering.

Vitamin C deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough fruit and vegetables in your diet. It’s a problem that can lead to swollen gums that bleed more easily. By simply going to your doctor and explaining your symptoms you can be tested for vitamin deficiency.

3. Hormonal Changes

For women going through puberty or pregnancy, bleeding gums is a common occurrence. This is due to the hormonal changes taking place in your body, which can often be mitigated by a dental professional.

4. A Medication Side-Effect

Many of the leading medications for epilepsy and cancer are known to cause gum bleeding. This is a problem that many patients experience while battling their condition and can often be reduced through concerted steps taken by both the doctor and the dentist. Certain over-the-counter medications such as aspirin can also cause some gum bleeding, but this is quite rare among the general population.

5. A Smoking Side-Effect

For smokers, gum bleeding can be a side-effect of their habit. That’s because tobacco smoke contain numerous chemicals that can affect our body’s ability to fight against bacterial plaque. This means that, by giving up smoking, you can not only improve your general health but also your oral health for the long-term.

Gum bleeding issues can be treated if you know the cause. Speak with our team, and don’t wait until it’s too late to report gum bleeding… get to the root of the problem!

Helpful Resources

Dental Extractions

For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.

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.