Gum disease affects nearly 70% of Canadian adults at some point in their lives, according to the Canadian Dental Association. The good news? It’s largely preventable and treatable when caught early. At Dentistry in Motion, located at the Lawrence Allen Centre in North York, we specialize in helping patients maintain healthy gums through education, prevention, and effective treatment options.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Catching gum disease early makes all the difference. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is completely reversible with proper care. However, if left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which causes permanent damage to the bone and tissues supporting your teeth.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Receding gum lines that make teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Changes in your bite or how dentures fit

Many patients dismiss bleeding gums as normal, but healthy gums should never bleed. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist at Lawrence and Allen right away. Early detection prevents the need for more invasive treatments later. Tips from your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen.

Understanding Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the mild, early form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque buildup irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation. At this stage, the infection hasn’t affected the bone or connective tissues yet. With professional cleaning and improved home care, gingivitis can be completely reversed.

Periodontitis develops when gingivitis goes untreated. The infection spreads below the gum line, creating pockets between teeth and gums. Bacteria thrive in these pockets, destroying bone and tissue. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology shows that untreated periodontitis increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.

The progression from gingivitis to periodontitis can happen quickly, which is why regular dental visits are essential. At Dentistry in Motion, we screen every patient for gum disease during routine checkups. Tips from your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options at Your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen

Most cases of gum disease can be treated without surgery. We focus on conservative, effective approaches that restore gum health and prevent disease progression.

Scaling and Root Planing

This deep cleaning procedure is the gold standard for treating gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and allowing gums to heal properly.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic for your comfort. Most patients need two to four appointments, depending on the extent of the disease. After treatment, gum pockets shrink, bleeding stops, and inflammation resolves.

Antimicrobial Treatments

We may recommend antimicrobial mouth rinses or antibiotic gels placed directly into gum pockets. These treatments help control bacterial infection and support healing after scaling and root planing.

Ongoing Maintenance

After initial treatment, regular periodontal maintenance cleanings (typically every three to four months) keep gum disease under control. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress and address any problem areas before they worsen. Tips from your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices That Prevent Gum Disease

Prevention is always better than treatment. Your daily habits play the biggest role in keeping your gums healthy.

Proper Brushing Technique

Brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage gum tissue and cause recession.

Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are excellent for patients prone to brushing too hard. Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months.

Effective Flossing

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping it around your fingers. Gently slide it between teeth, curving it around each tooth in a C-shape. Move the floss up and down, going slightly below the gum line.

If traditional floss is difficult, try floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen.

Additional Prevention Tips

• Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash daily
• Avoid tobacco products, which significantly increase gum disease risk
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D
• Manage stress, which can weaken your immune system
• Stay hydrated to support saliva production
• Visit your dentist at Lawrence and Allen every six months for professional cleanings

Why Choose Dentistry in Motion for Gum Disease Care

Our team at Dentistry in Motion understands that gum disease can feel overwhelming. We take time to explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and schedule.

Located conveniently at 700 Lawrence Ave W in North York, we offer flexible hours (Monday through Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 3pm) to accommodate busy schedules. Our gentle approach and modern techniques ensure comfortable, effective care. Your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen.

Take Action Today

Gum disease won’t improve on its own. The longer you wait, the more complex and costly treatment becomes. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or any other warning signs, don’t delay.

Call us Your Dentist at Lawrence and Allen at 416.785.7619 or email secure@dentistryinmotion.com to schedule your comprehensive gum health evaluation. Our team is ready to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums for life.

Your smile deserves the best care. As your dedicated dentist at Lawrence and Allen, we’re committed to protecting your oral health with compassionate, expert treatment. Let’s work together to keep your gums healthy and your smile strong.

The American Dental Association has long been a leader in the battle against tobacco-related disease, working to educate the public about the dangers inherent in tobacco use and encouraging dentists to help their patients break the cycle of addiction. The Association has continually strengthened and updated its tobacco policies as new scientific information has become available.

Frequently asked questions: tobacco products

What effects can smoking have on my oral health? Are cigars a safe alternative to cigarettes? Are smokeless tobacco products safe? The American Dental Association has some alarming news that you should know.

Smoking and Implants

Recent studies have shown that there is a direct link between oral tissue and bones loss and smoking.

Tooth loss and edentulism are more common in smokers than in non-smokers. In addition, people who smoke are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease.

The formation of deep mucosal pockets with inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa around dental implants is called peri-implantitis. Smokers treated with dental implants have a greater risk of developing peri-implantitis. This condition can lead to increased resorption of peri-implant bone. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure. In a recent international study, smokers showed a higher score in bleeding index with greater peri-implant pocket depth and radiographically discernible bone resorption around the implant, particularly in the maxilla.

Many studies have shown that smoking can lead to higher rates of dental implant failure. In general, smoking cessation usually leads to improved periodontal health and a patient’s chance for successful implant acceptance.

• • Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum.
  • Floss every night in an up-and-down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid sticky sugary foods.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
  • Have sealants placed on young permanent teeth.

One of the most serious long-term health problems that may occur from oral piercings come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as opportunistic infections. When performed in an unsterile environment, any kind of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

A tongue piercing is a common form of body piercing. However, tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing can cause uncontrolled bleeding.

Long ago, children exposed to tetracycline developed tooth problems, including discoloration, later in life. The medication fell out of use, however, and is not an issue today.

The best precaution is to ask your family physician if any medications he or she has prescribed can have a detrimental effect on your teeth or other oral structures.

A condition called dry mouth is commonly associated with certain medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants and pain killers. People with medical conditions, such as an eating disorder or diabetes, are often plagued by dry mouth. Other causes are related to aging (including rheumatoid arthritis), and compromised immune systems. Garlic and tobacco use are other known culprits.

Dry mouth occurs when saliva production drops. Saliva is one of your body’s natural defenses against plaque because it acts to rinse your mouth of cavity-causing bacteria and other harmful materials.

Some of the less alarming results of dry mouth include bad breath. But dry mouth can lead to more serious problems, including burning tongue syndrome, a painful condition caused by lack of moisture on the tongue.

If dry mouth isn’t readily apparent, you may experience other conditions that dry mouth can cause, including an overly sensitive tongue, chronic thirst or even difficulty in speaking.

Heart Disease

Poor dental hygiene can cause a host of problems outside your mouth—including your heart.

Medical research has uncovered a definitive link between heart disease and certain kinds of oral infections such as periodontal disease. Some have even suggested that gum disease may be as dangerous as or more dangerous than other factors such as tobacco use.

A condition called chronic periodontitis, or persistent gum disease, has been linked to cardiovascular problems by medical researchers.

In short, infections and harmful bacteria in your mouth can spread through the bloodstream to your liver, which produces harmful proteins that can lead to systemic cardiac problems. That’s why it’s critical to practice good oral hygiene to keep infections at bay—this includes a daily regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

In some cases, patients with compromised immune systems or who fear an infection from a dental procedure may take antibiotics before visiting the dentist.

It is possible for bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream during a dental procedure in which tissues are cut or bleeding occurs. A healthy immune system will normally fight such bacteria before they result in an infection.

However, certain cardiovascular conditions in patients with weakened hearts could be at risk for an infection or heart muscle inflammation (bacterial endocarditis) resulting from a dental procedure.

Patients with heart conditions (including weakened heart valves) are strongly advised to inform our office before undergoing any dental procedure. The proper antibiotic will prevent any unnecessary complications.

Many health experts have rightly attributed the dramatic increase of allergic reactions to latex in the health care community to the increased use of gloves and other personal protection equipment in light of the AIDS epidemic.

Latex is a pervasive substance in many household items—from toys and balloons to rubber bands and condoms.

Latex allergies could cause the following symptoms:

• Dry skin
• Hives
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Respiratory problems
• Tingling sensations

People with high-risk factors for latex allergy include those who have undergone multiple surgical operations, have spina bifida, or are persistently exposed to latex products.

If you are vulnerable to latex or have allergies related to it, please notify our office and, by all means, seek medical attention from your family physician.

This section is dedicated to the latest information about these and other oral health topics, pulled from authoritative sources such as the American Dental Association.

Click here for the latest news from the American Dental Association.

In general dentistry, the dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and maxillofacial (jaw and face) parts of the body. Even though general dentists primarily provide preventative care and minor restorative therapy, they are often able to perform a wide array of other dental procedures, including some minor cosmetic treatments.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit their general dentist at least once every six months to ensure proper oral health and functionality. Regular oral health check-ups and maintenance help to prevent the development of serious dental problems that may require more extensive and costly treatments. General dentists are highly educated and trained in multiple facets of dentistry, providing a variety of different services for you and your family including:

• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Gum disease (Periodontal) treatment
• Orthodontics
• Root canal therapy
• Teeth cleanings
• Bonding
• Dental fillings

General dentists who do not perform a certain treatment will provide you with a specialist referral.

Are dental amalgams safe? Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to amalgam? Is it true that dental amalgams have been banned in other countries? Is there a filling material that matches tooth color? If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced? Read this interesting and informative discussion from the American Dental Association.

FDA consumer update: dental amalgams

The Food and Drug Administration and other organizations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) continue to investigate the safety of amalgams used in dental restorations (fillings). However, no valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergic reactions.

ATSDR – public health statements: mercury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some scientific background on mercury (contained within silver-colored fillings), and whether it believes the substance presents any health hazards.

Analysis reveals significant drop in children’s tooth decay

Children have significantly less tooth decay in their primary (baby) and permanent teeth today than they did in the early 1970s, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). The analysis reveals that among children between the ages of six and 18 years, the percentage of decayed permanent teeth decreased by 57.2 percent over a 20-year period. In addition, children between the ages of two and 10 years experienced a drop of nearly 40 percent in diseased or decayed primary teeth.

Alternative Materials

Advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.

Alternatives to amalgam, such as cast gold restorations, porcelain, and composite resins are more expensive. Gold and porcelain restorations take longer to make and can require two appointments. Composite resins, or white fillings, are esthetically appealing, but require a longer time to place.

Here’s a look at some of the more common kinds of alternatives to silver amalgam:

• Composite fillings – Composite fillings are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glasslike particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Composites can also be “bonded” or adhesively held in a cavity, often allowing the dentist to make a more conservative repair to the tooth. In teeth where chewing loads are high, composite fillings are less resistant to wear than silver amalgams. It also takes longer to place a composite filling.
• Ionomers – Glass ionomers are tooth-colored materials made of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders that are used to fill cavities, particularly those on the root surfaces of teeth. Glass ionomers can release a small amount of fluoride that help patients who are at high risk for decay. Glass ionomers are primarily used as small fillings in areas that need not withstand heavy chewing pressure. Because they have a low resistance to fracture, glass ionomers are mostly used in small non-load bearing fillings (those between the teeth) or on the roots of teeth. Resin ionomers also are made from glass filler with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. They also are used for non-load bearing fillings (between the teeth) and they have low to moderate resistance to fracture. Ionomers experience high wear when placed on chewing surfaces. Both glass and resin ionomers mimic natural tooth color but lack the natural translucency of enamel. Both types are well tolerated by patients with only rare occurrences of allergic response.
• Porcelain (ceramic) dental materials – All-porcelain (ceramic) dental materials include porcelain, ceramic or glasslike fillings and crowns. They are used as inlays, onlays, crowns and aesthetic veneers. A veneer is a very thin shell of porcelain that can replace or cover part of the enamel of the tooth. All-porcelain (ceramic) restorations are particularly desirable because their color and translucency mimic natural tooth enamel. All-porcelain restorations require a minimum of two visits and possibly more. The restorations are prone to fracture when placed under tension or on impact. Their strength depends on an adequate thickness of porcelain and the ability to be bonded to the underlying tooth. They are highly resistant to wear but the porcelain can quickly wear opposing teeth if the porcelain surface becomes rough.

Sealants

Research has shown that almost everybody has a 95 percent chance of eventually experiencing cavities in the pits and grooves of their teeth.

Sealants were developed in the 1950s and first became available commercially in the early 1970s. The first sealant was accepted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics in 1972. Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years. In fact, research has shown that sealants actually stop cavities when placed on top of a slightly decayed tooth by sealing off the supply of nutrients to the bacteria that causes a cavity.

Sealants act as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from collecting and sitting on the grooves and pits of teeth. Sealants are best suited for permanent first molars, which erupt around the age of 6, and second molars, which erupt around the age of 12.

Sealants are most effective when applied as soon as the tooth has fully come in. Because of this, children derive the greatest benefit from sealants because of the newness of their teeth. Research has shown that more than 65% of all cavities occur in the narrow pits and grooves of a child`s newly erupted teeth because of trapped food particles and bacteria.

Application

Sealant application involves cleaning the surface of the tooth and rinsing the surface to remove all traces of the cleaning agent. An etching solution or gel is applied to the enamel surface of the tooth, including the pits and grooves. After 15 seconds, the solution is thoroughly rinsed away with water. After the site is dried, the sealant material is applied and allowed to harden by using a special curing light.

Sealants normally last about five years. Sealants should always be examined at the child`s regular checkup. Sealants are extremely effective in preventing decay in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Insurance coverage for sealant procedures is increasing, but still minimal. Many dentists expect this trend to change as insurers become more convinced that sealants can help reduce future dental expenses and protect the teeth from more aggressive forms of treatment.