Gum Disease in Kitchener, ON: What You Need to Know
A Widespread, Often Overlooked Condition
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is far more common than many people realize. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease studies, over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from severe gum disease, making it one of the most prevalent chronic, non-contagious diseases on the planet.
If we look at overall prevalence—including mild to moderate cases—between 20% and 50% of the global population is affected. In Canada, the numbers are even more striking: the Canadian Dental Association estimates that 7 out of 10 Canadians will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime, with 21% of adults suffering from moderate to severe problems, and 10–11% living with advanced, destructive periodontitis.
These figures highlight an important truth: gum disease is not rare, not inevitable, but very preventable.
Why Is Gum Disease So Common?
Several factors contribute to gum disease being so widespread:
- Lack of awareness – Many people believe that bleeding gums are “normal,” when in fact, they are an early warning sign of gingivitis.
- Access to care – Globally, limited access to affordable preventive dental care allows gum disease to progress unchecked.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, poor diet, and stress all increase the risk of gum problems.
- Neglected home care – Brushing without flossing leaves up to one-third of tooth surfaces untouched, giving bacteria the perfect hiding place.
- Silent progression – Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, so patients don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s advanced.
Stages of Gum Disease: What to Watch For
Like many health conditions, gum disease progresses in stages:
Early Stage – Gingivitis
- Gums appear red, swollen, or irritated
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
At this stage, gum disease is still reversible with professional cleanings and better oral hygiene.
Progressive Stage – Periodontitis
- Gums begin to pull away from teeth
- “Pockets” form between teeth and gums where bacteria collect
- Teeth may start to loosen as bone support weakens
Advanced Stage – Severe Periodontitis
- Significant gum recession
- Bone loss around tooth roots
- Teeth become mobile or require extraction
The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.
Causes: It All Starts With Plaque
The root cause of gum disease is plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates gums and allows infection to take hold.
Over time, this bacterial attack causes the body’s immune response to break down gum tissue and bone. Left untreated, gum disease can destroy the very foundation that supports your teeth.
Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
Many patients ask: “If I brush really well, do I still need to floss?” The answer is yes. Toothbrushes cannot reach between teeth and under the gumline where plaque hides. That’s why flossing—or water flossing—is essential to complete the job.
Similarly, mouthwash can reduce bacteria but doesn’t remove plaque. As we like to joke at MI Dental:
“Mouthwash kills bacteria, but then you just have a lot of dead bodies left behind. You still need a toothbrush to sweep them away.”
Treating Gum Disease
The good news? Gum disease can be treated and even reversed in its early stages.
- Gingivitis – Professional cleanings, better brushing and flossing, and antibacterial rinses can completely restore gum health.
- Periodontitis – More advanced cases may require deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), laser therapy, or gum surgery to control the disease.
- Advanced cases – Procedures such as gum grafting may be needed to restore stability and cover exposed roots.
While advanced periodontitis cannot be reversed, it can be controlled to prevent further destruction—making early detection critical.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best approach is prevention:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once daily to clean between teeth
- Visit MI Dental regularly for professional cleanings
- Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet
- Watch for warning signs like bleeding gums, swelling, or bad breath
Our team uses digital imaging, intraoral cameras, and CO₂ laser therapy to detect and treat gum disease with precision and comfort.
Fun Fact
Did you know gum disease has been linked to overall health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s? The mouth is not separate from the body—oral inflammation can influence your entire system. Keeping your gums healthy is an investment in your overall well-being.
FAQs About Gum Disease
1. Is gum disease painful?
Not usually at first. That’s why it often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced.
2. Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss worldwide.
3. How often should I have my gums checked?
At least twice a year during your dental visits—or more often if you’re at higher risk.
4. Can children get gum disease?
Yes, though it’s less common. Good hygiene habits from a young age are the best prevention.
5. If I already have gum disease, can it be cured?
Gingivitis can be fully reversed. Periodontitis cannot be cured but can be managed successfully with ongoing care.
Protect the Foundation of Your Smile with MI Dental
Your teeth may be the stars of your smile, but your gums are the foundation. At MI Dental, we believe in proactive gum care—detecting issues early, providing personalized treatments, and giving you the tools to keep your gums healthy for life.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call MI Dental in Kitchener today at (519) 894-9444 to schedule your gum health evaluation.
