Most people don’t think much about their gums until something starts to feel off — a little bleeding when brushing, a bit of swelling, or breath that just doesn’t stay fresh no matter how much toothpaste or mouthwash you use. Periodontal (gum) disease is extremely common, but that doesn’t make it harmless. It affects how your mouth feels, how your smile looks, how confident you are and how healthy you are in everyday life
At My Smile Health Centre, Dr. Ivy Yu and our team take periodontal disease seriously because it’s deeply connected to your whole-body health. Gum inflammation is never “just a gum issue”, it is a sign that something in the body needs attention, balance, and support. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening, treat the infection gently and thoroughly, and guide you toward long-term gum, bone and whole-body wellness.
Symptoms: How Gum Disease Shows Up in Your Daily Life
Periodontal disease begins quietly, which is why many people don’t notice the signs right away. Early symptoms might pop up during a hectic week, a stressful period, during pregnancy or after skipping a few flossing days — and then it slowly and unknowingly becomes your “new normal.”
The most common symptoms include:
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, tender, swollen, or puffy gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Gum recession that makes teeth look longer
• Sensitivity to cold or pressure
• Pain when chewing
• Loose teeth or sudden spaces between teeth
• Build-up of plaque or tartar near the gumline
Many of our patients tell us they feel embarrassed about bad breath or are frustrated by bleeding gums. Others notice they avoid certain foods because chewing doesn’t feel as good as it used to. These symptoms can impact confidence, comfort, and quality of life — and that’s why early detection and preventive care is so important.
Your gums are not supposed to bleed. They are supposed to bleed as often as your eyes do! They’re not supposed to feel irritated. When they do, it’s your body’s way of saying, “Please help.”
Causes: Why Gum Disease Happens in the First Place
Gum disease is caused by bacteria and inflammation — but each patient’s reason for developing it is different. Every individual has different types of bacteria and different stages of periodontal disease. This is why at My Smile Health Centre, we take time to understand the whole picture in order to determine the customized hygiene therapy that is best for your gums, bones and overall health.
Here are the most common contributors:
1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When bacteria stay on the teeth too long, they irritate the gums and lead to inflammation.
2. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
High stress lowers immunity, making it easier for gum inflammation to take hold. Even sleep patterns and mouth breathing can contribute.
3. Bite Imbalance & Clenching
When your bite isn’t balanced or you clench at night, pressure is placed on the gums and bone, worsening inflammation and recession.
4. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal shifts can make gums more reactive.
5. Dry Mouth
A common side effect of medications — and a major factor in bacterial imbalance.
6. Medical Conditions
Diabetes, immune disorders, and systemic health issues can make gums more vulnerable.
7. Oral Microbiome Imbalance
Holistically, gum disease is often a sign that the mouth’s bacterial environment is out of balance.
The important thing to know is this: Periodontal disease is not your fault. It’s a health condition — and with the right approach, it can be improved and controlled.
Treatment: Dr. Ivy’s Gentle, Holistic Approach to Healing Gums
At My Smile Health Centre, periodontal care is designed to be effective, comfortable, and aligned with your whole-body well-being. Dr. Ivy Yu’s philosophy blends modern dentistry with health-focused forward thinking, ensuring that your care is supportive, personalized, and gentle every step of the way.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
This is a modern, systematic, and minimally invasive dental hygiene protocol which uses a special dye which allows bacterial buidup (Biofilm) to be visible, followed by a gentle removal process utilizing water, air and fine powder.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
This is a technique that utilizes laser treatment to reduce bacterial load in the pockets around the teeth as well as remove diseased gum tissue so healthy gum tissue can regenerate and reattach at a healthier level.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
This removes harmful bacteria from beneath the gums and helps reduce inflammation. Our gentle techniques ensure comfort, clarity, and calmness throughout the appointment.
Oral Microbiome Support
We focus on restoring balance — not just eliminating bacteria — to create a healthier long-term environment for your gums.
Bite & Airway Evaluation
Because clenching, grinding, and airway issues play a role in gum inflammation, we assess how your jaw and breathing patterns may be contributing. Addressing these factors can dramatically improve outcomes.
Lifestyle & Home-Care Coaching
We guide you with step-by-step instructions to help you maintain gum health at home with simple, manageable routines and different hygiene home care tools.
Ongoing Maintenance
Periodontal disease requires consistent and commited support and monitoring as it cannot be cured but it can be put into remission. We adjust each follow-up visit to match your healing progress and personal needs.
Our goal is not just to “fix your gums,” but to help your gums — and your health — thrive.
Healthy Gums, Healthier Life
When your gums feel better, everything feels better. You chew more comfortably, your breath feels fresher, your confidence rises, and your whole-body inflammation decreases. Patients are often surprised at how much better they feel overall once their gum health improves.
If you’ve been seeing signs of gum disease — or if it’s been a while since your last hygiene visit — a gentle, holistic periodontal care approach can make all the difference.
At My Smile Health Centre, we care for your gums the same way we care for your health: with compassion, science, and a personalized touch. Let’s help your gums heal — and help you feel better than you have in years.
