Gum Health
At Yonge & St. Clair.
Bleeding, swollen or tender gums can be signs of inflammation or gum disease. Assessment helps us understand what is happening and what kind of care your gums may need.
Your gum health
Healthy teeth need healthy gums.
Gum disease begins with inflammation in the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its earlier stages, you may notice bleeding or tenderness, or very little at all. If inflammation progresses, it can affect the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
At Chandler & Nightingale Dental, we assess your gum health as part of your ongoing dental care. When additional periodontal care is needed, we'll explain what we're seeing, what can be managed in our office and when specialist involvement may be appropriate.
Signs to watch for
Signs your gums may need attention.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding with brushing, flossing or professional cleaning can be a sign of inflammation.
Red or swollen gums
Healthy gums generally shouldn't remain persistently swollen or inflamed.
Tenderness
Sore or tender gums may indicate inflammation or another issue that should be assessed.
Receding gums
Changes in the gumline can expose more of the tooth or root surface and may contribute to sensitivity.
Persistent bad breath
Ongoing bad breath can have several causes, including plaque buildup and gum disease.
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in tooth stability or position can occur with more advanced loss of support around the teeth and warrant assessment.
Gum disease can sometimes progress with few noticeable symptoms, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene visits matter.
Common questions
Common questions about gum disease.
What causes gum disease?+
Plaque bacteria accumulating around the teeth and gums are a major cause of gum inflammation. If plaque is not adequately removed, it can harden into tartar and make the area more difficult to keep clean. Smoking, certain medical conditions, medications, genetics and other factors can also affect gum health.
Are bleeding gums normal?+
Occasional bleeding can happen for different reasons, but gums that bleed regularly when you brush or floss should not simply be considered normal. Persistent bleeding is often a sign of inflammation and is worth assessing.
Can gum disease be reversed?+
Early gum inflammation can often improve significantly when plaque is controlled and effective oral hygiene is established. More advanced periodontal disease involves loss of the tissues or bone supporting the teeth and requires ongoing management rather than simply being “reversed.” An assessment helps determine what stage of disease is present and what care is appropriate.
How is gum disease treated?+
Treatment depends on the health of your gums and the severity of the disease. Care may include professional hygiene treatment, changes to home care and more frequent monitoring. More advanced periodontal problems may require additional treatment or assessment by a periodontist.
Does gum disease hurt?+
Not always. Gum disease can develop without significant pain, particularly in its earlier stages. Bleeding, swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath or changes around the teeth may occur even when nothing hurts.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned if I have gum disease?+
There is no single interval that is appropriate for everyone. The frequency of hygiene care depends on factors such as the health of your gums, previous periodontal disease, tartar buildup and how well the condition is responding to care. We recommend an interval based on your individual needs.
Related care
Concerned about your gums?
Dr. Michael Nightingale and Dr. Ali Lubelsky are welcoming new patients at Chandler & Nightingale Dental.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.