Gum Disease Treatment | What Causes It?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the result of an infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support your teeth. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed due to irritation. In its later stage, periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from your teeth which causes your teeth to loosen or even fall out and may cause bone loss in your jaw. While periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, children have been known to get it. Either way, it starts with a lack of proper oral care.


Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to oral health. A recent report from the Dental Association, related to periodontitis, says that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease and that it increase with age. 70.1% of adults, 65 years and older have periodontal disease and this condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4).

Causes of Gum Disease


Bacteria in our mouths start to infect tissue surrounding our teeth, which causes inflammation and leads to periodontal disease. When bacteria stays on our teeth long enough, it forms a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup can spread below the gum line, which makes our teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease from progressing any further.

Risk Factors



  •  Smoking
  •  Diabetes
  •  Poor oral hygiene
  •  Heredity
  •  Crooked teeth
  •  Underlying immuno-deficiencies
  •  Fillings that have become defective
  •  Taking medications that cause dry mouth
  •  Dental bridges that no longer fit properly
  •  Hormonal changes

Warning Signs


  •  Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
  •  Red or swollen gums
  •  Tender or bleeding gums
  •  Painful chewing
  •  Loose teeth
  •  Sensitive teeth
  •  Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  •  Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  •  Any change in the fit of partial dentures

We are the Kanata dentist near you!

A smile without teeth is just a grin

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We look forward to seeing you soon! Please note, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. You can reach us on (613) 592-0615 or complete the form below.


We ask that you arrive to your appointment 15-minutes early.

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