Overcome Gum Disease with Effective Periodontal Care
Most people don’t take gum disease seriously. Perhaps, it’s because it exhibits little to no symptoms until it advances. Gum disease is a severe condition that shouldn’t be ignored. To put things in perspective, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in America! So, next time you see signs of gum disease, don’t assume they will just disappear. Instead, please book an appointment with Dublin Family Dental in Dublin, California, for gentle yet effective periodontal treatment.
Understanding how gum disease affects your overall health
Plaque is the leading cause of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene leaves food particles in your mouth, which mix with saliva and bacteria to form a sticky, thin film (plaque) that clings to your teeth. Plaque is home to harmful bacteria that release toxins that weaken the bond between the gums and teeth. When this happens, pockets form between your teeth and gums, which become infiltrated with infections, causing gum recession and loose teeth.
As gum disease progresses, it not only affects your gums, teeth, and tooth-supporting structures — it affects your overall body. When the disease-causing bacteria seep into the bloodstream, they may damage vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidney!
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.
How is gum disease treated?
Gingivitis — an early form of gum disease — causes gum bleeding, redness, and swelling. Since, at this stage, the infection is on the surface of the gums, it can be reversed. Dr. Cynthia Ignacio recommends diligent brushing and flossing your teeth alongside dental cleanings to eliminate gingivitis.
If you have mild periodontitis, the dentist can restore your health by non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing (deep teeth cleaning). Gum scaling eliminates plaque and tartar beneath your gum line to stop the infection. During root planning, the dentist uses a special instrument to smooth your roots to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
We recommend periodontal surgery and grafting for patients with advanced periodontitis to repair damage to your gums and jawbone.
Gum Infection Treatment for a healthy smile
Are you battling gum disease in Dublin, CA? You should seek treatment at Dublin Family Dental before the infection causes irreparable damage to your oral health. Please dial (925) 804-4770 to book an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Ignacio. We will treat your gum disease and educate you on preventive periodontics to avoid the condition in the future.