Below is an article written by by Tracey Sandilands and found on Colgate.com  Antimicrobial therapy is a form of oral treatment used to eliminate or reduce the development of bacterial infections in the mouth. The therapy aims to prevent periodontal diseaseresulting from infections, which can cause painful, bleeding gums and loosening of your teeth. Preparation and Treatment If your dentist decides you will benefit from antimicrobial treatment, they will likely start with scaling and root planing. This process removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from the sulcus area around the teeth using either a scaler or instruments as well as an ultrasonic scaling device. In severe cases where there are periodontal pockets greater than 5-6 mm deep, the dentist may recommend that the patient be seen by a periodontist to evaluate the area with deeper pocketing and determine if gum surgery may be necessary. The scaling and root planing and gum surgery treatments require local anesthesia to r...

You know good dental habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are available. Please note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis. Gingivitis Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease , an infection of the tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also experience bad breath . Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing , use tobacco , have crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant , have ...

Now the Good News The treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, in all its stages from mild to severe, is typically covered by most dental insurance plans. Non-surgical care combined with improved dental hygiene has often proven effective in slowing or even stopping the spread of the disease. However, in more severe cases, treatment may still include surgery. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD 280-5201 43 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 1C7 (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

Have You Been Told You Need Gum Surgery? At Vista Dental Care, we use laser technology for the non-surgical treatment of gum disease. Used in place of scalpels and sutures, lasers offer precisely placed incisions and reduced bleeding, with a goal of reduced discomfort and improved healing. The laser can also be employed for other soft tissue procedures, such as treating oral lesions or reducing the look of a “gummy” smile. Ask us about this at your next visit! Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD   280-5201 43 St.  Red Deer, AB  T4N 1C7  (855) 636-9223   VistaDentalCare.ca

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth Gum disease accounts for more tooth loss than direct decay, but the symptoms of gum disease may go unrecognized until you begin to lose your teeth. You should see a dentist if you’re experiencing bleeding gums when you brush or floss or if you have loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been informed that you may require gum surgery, you will be pleased to know that there are also several non-surgical methods available for the control of gum disease. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD   280-5201 43 St.  Red Deer, AB  T4N 1C7  (855) 636-9223    VistaDentalCare.ca

What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing.  Who Can Get Gingivitis? Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options. Gingivitis Symptoms Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine t...

Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1  It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1 The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placi...

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke According to Dental Health Alberta, “Gum disease (periodontal disease) often progresses at a slow pace, with no pain. As a result, it is very common in many individuals. Gum disease is not just about your mouth – there is evidence linking gum disease to heart disease, respiratory disorders and strokes.”  It is estimated that as many as 8 out of 10 people may suffer, or be at risk, from gum disease. Periodontal infection poses more hazards to people whose health is already compromised by diabetes and respiratory afflictions. The reality is that the bacteria that contribute to a gum infection isn’t restricted to your mouth. These bacteria can move through your soft tissues, into your bloodstream, and from there travel to all your other internal organs. Vista Dental Care      Chad Aitken, DMD      280-5201 43 St.     Red Deer, AB     T4N 1C7     (8...

The association between gum diseases and heart disease is not a secret anymore. It has always raised a question in my mind if maintaining good oral health can help me achieve good overall health. Well, the answer is “yes.” Maintaining good oral health can save us from spending thousands of dollars on preventing heart diseases. We can say that proper brushing and flossing can help us maintain a healthy heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontolgy, people with gum diseases are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Atherosclerosis also known as “hardening of arterial wall” is one of the major etiological factors of heart disease. This occurs due to deposition of plaque (formed by accumulation of fat and other blood substances on the arterial wall). This can eventually clog the artery leading to complete blockage of coronary arteries precipitating into stroke. To read the entire article written by Swati Yadav, please ...

At Risk of Losing Your Teeth Due to Gum Disease? Laser Treatment Can Avoid Traditional Surgery With laser treatment, it's possible to forgo traditional gum surgery that uses scalpels and sutures. Our practice uses laser technology for the treatment of gum disease. The procedure is patient friendly, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. We have successfully treated many cases of periodontal (gum) disease without the need for scalpels and sutures. The laser can also be used for other soft tissue procedures, such as treating oral lesions (such as cold sores) or reducing the look of a “gummy” smile. The goal is precision cutting and reduced bleeding. Ask us about this at your next visit! Vista Dental Care     Chad Aitken, DMD     280-5201 43 St.     Red Deer, AB     T4N 1C7     (855) 636-9223     VistaDentalCare.ca

Did you know that recent studies have confirmed a link between gum disease and heart disease? It turns out that bacteria from the mouth can travel all through the body via the bloodstream. One of the places these bacteria travel to it the heart! This is just another reason to see your dental hygienist today! Regular checkups and teeth cleaning is a smart thing to do for your teeth AND your heart. Vista Dental Care     Chad Aitken, DMD     280-5201 43 St.     Red Deer, AB     T4N 1C7     (855) 636-9223     VistaDentalCare.ca