Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the #1 reason adults lose teeth, yet many people don’t realize how easy it is to prevent. Bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth are warning signs that infection has reached the tissues and bone supporting your smile. At Lee Dental Associates, located at Yonge & Lawrence in Midtown Toronto, we specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease before it threatens your oral—and overall—health.
Below, we outline the five leading causes of periodontal disease, explain why each factor matters, and offer practical tips to keep your gums firm, pink, and healthy.
1. Plaque Buildup and Poor Oral Hygiene
Why it matters:
Dental plaque—a sticky biofilm of bacteria—forms on teeth minutes after you eat or drink. If it isn’t removed daily, it hardens into tartar (calculus) along the gumline. The bacteria release toxins that trigger inflammation (gingivitis). Untreated inflammation progresses to periodontitis, where gums recede and bone deteriorates.
What you can do:
- Brush twice daily with a soft‑bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes.
- Floss or use a water flosser once a day to clean the 30 % of tooth surfaces your brush can’t reach.
- Schedule professional cleanings every six months (or more frequently if recommended) at Lee Dental Associates to remove hardened tartar.
2. Tobacco Use
Why it matters:
Cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco users are up to six times more likely to develop periodontal disease than non‑smokers. Nicotine restricts blood flow to gum tissue, compromising your immune response and impairing healing. Smokers often mask early symptoms because reduced circulation minimizes bleeding—so damage can advance silently.
What you can do:
- Quit tobacco with the help of support groups, nicotine‑replacement therapy, or your physician.
- If quitting isn’t immediate, be vigilant with oral hygiene and attend periodontal check‑ups every three to four months.
- Celebrate milestones—improvements in breath, taste, and gum colour begin within weeks of quitting.
3. Uncontrolled Systemic Conditions (Diabetes & More)
Why it matters:
Health issues that lower immunity or alter blood flow—especially diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders—make it harder for gum tissue to fight infection. Uncontrolled blood sugar, for example, leads to high glucose in saliva, feeding periodontal bacteria and amplifying inflammation.
What you can do:
- Manage systemic conditions with your physician’s guidance: keep blood glucose within target range, monitor blood pressure, and follow prescribed medication schedules.
- Inform your dentist about all health conditions and medications; some drugs cause dry mouth, raising gum‑disease risk.
- Schedule more frequent periodontal maintenance if you have chronic illnesses.
4. Genetic Predisposition and Family History
Why it matters:
Studies suggest up to 30 % of people may have a genetic tendency toward aggressive gum disease—even with good oral hygiene. Family history often predicts susceptibility to rapid bone loss and early tooth mobility.
What you can do:
- Share your family dental history with our team so we can assess risk and customize your prevention plan.
- Consider salivary DNA testing (offered at many modern practices) to detect high‑risk bacteria and genetic markers.
- Maintain strict plaque control and schedule professional cleanings every three to four months if you’re genetically prone.
5. Hormonal Changes and Life Stages
Why it matters:
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause increase gum tissue sensitivity to plaque. Rising progesterone and estrogen enhance blood flow to the gums, exaggerating inflammatory responses even with minimal bacterial buildup. Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 70 % of expectant mothers and can progress if untreated.
What you can do:
- Increase professional cleanings during high‑hormone periods—pregnant patients often benefit from a second cleaning in the second trimester.
- Use a soft toothbrush and alcohol‑free antimicrobial rinse to reduce irritation.
- After morning sickness, rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing to protect enamel softened by stomach acid.
Additional Risk Amplifiers to Watch
- Stress: Chronic stress weakens immunity and promotes clenching or grinding, damaging gum tissue.
- Malocclusion & Crowding: Tight spaces trap plaque, increasing localized periodontal pockets.
- Poor Nutrition: Deficiency in vitamin C, D, or calcium hinders gum healing.
- Dry Mouth: Certain medications and dehydration reduce saliva, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Addressing these factors alongside the five primary causes further lowers your risk of tooth loss.
Protecting Your Gums: Action Plan
- Commit to daily plaque control—brush, floss, and rinse.
- Quit tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
- Manage systemic conditions with regular medical check‑ups.
- Discuss your family history and undergo targeted periodontal screenings.
- Adapt oral‑care routines during hormonal shifts or medication changes.
Early detection is crucial. At Lee Dental Associates, we use digital radiographs, periodontal probing, and intraoral cameras to spot subtle changes in gum health before they become permanent damage.
Why Choose Lee Dental Associates for Periodontal Care?
- Experienced Team: Our dentists and hygienists have advanced training in preventive and periodontal therapy.
- Comfort‑Focused Technology: Ultrasonic scalers and gentle laser options make deep cleanings easier.
- Customized Maintenance Plans: We tailor visit frequency and home‑care products to your unique risk profile.
- Convenient Midtown Location: Easy access from Lawrence Park, Yonge & Eglinton, and North York.
Book Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
Bleeding gums aren’t normal—and they don’t have to lead to extraction or implants. If you’ve noticed swelling, recession, or persistent bad breath, schedule a comprehensive periodontal assessment at Lee Dental Associates. Early treatment can halt bone loss and rejuvenate your smile.
