What Do You Know About Gum Disease?

Despite being widespread, often we find people don’t know much about periodontal disease and how it threatens oral health. But when you have knowledge about the disease and how to recognize it, you can protect your oral health! In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the facts about periodontal disease.

The Causes of the Disease

How does periodontal disease actually develop? The issue starts with gum inflammation, which could be caused by a number of different factors. Without treatment, gingivitis could eventually cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When disease-causing bacteria enter these pockets, the patient develops gum disease. At this point, treatment is crucial for avoiding major complications with the health and stability of the smile.

Common Risk Factors and Dangers

Your initial inflammation could be due to plaque buildup, which irritates and inflames the gingival tissues.  Plaque buildup occurs when harmful oral bacteria consume particles of sugar and starch left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. Other factors include smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products, a family history of the disease, the use of certain medications, and the presence of inflammatory illnesses. Without treatment, the disease could reach a stage known as periodontitis, at which point you’re more likely to lose your teeth! Treatment to prevent or manage the disease is crucial to keep your smile healthy and whole.

Symptoms

Symptoms could include changes in the color of your gums, such as redness. The tissue could feel sore and bleed easily as well. You could also experience swelling or gum recession, which makes your teeth appear longer. When you encounter one or more of these possible symptoms, then let us know right away! We will conduct a detailed exam to assess the cause and extent of your periodontal concerns, so we can choose the most appropriate treatment option.

Treatment Options

Our team could use preventive treatments like scaling and root planing, or Supportive Periodontal Maintenance to prevent the disease or manage it in the early stages. We also have holistic treatments, with special medicines, Ozone Therapy, and more. For more severe cases, we could use laser dentistry to remove diseased tissues and help correct recession. If you have any questions about the causes of periodontal disease, or about our treatment options, then contact our team today to learn more, and to keep your smile whole and beautiful!

Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist Can Improve Your Oral Health

We want to make sure you know how to diagnose and treat gum disease. If you would like to find out more about gum disease and our treatment options, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.