How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

We offer treatments to prevent or manage gum disease, so you can enjoy an attractive smile and avoid painful symptoms or tooth loss. But how does periodontal disease develop? We want to help you better understand the causes and potential risks of gum disease, so your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the cases of the disease.

The Common Underlying Factors

The problem starts when the gums become inflamed, which causes gingivitis. Your gingivitis could be caused by poor oral hygiene habits. For example, a diet high in sugar and starch leaves behind particles from your meals and drinks. Lack of proper brushing and flossing, or infrequent visits for cleanings, allows the particles to remain trapped for bacteria to consume, which creates the plaque buildup that irritates the tissues. Other factors could include tobacco use, family history of periodontal issues, inflammatory illnesses, and even the use of certain medications.

From Gingivitis to Disease

Without treatment to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gums, which is usually done with traditional cleanings or possibly a scaling and root planing, then the tissues become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. This forms pockets at the gumline for harmful oral bacteria to enter, creating the disease. At this point there is no cure, but care is necessary to manage it and prevent major complications.

Tooth Loss

Without treatment to manage the disease, the late stage known as periodontitis could occur, which destroys connective tissues to lead to tooth loss. Which is why when you experience the earliest symptoms, such as redness and soreness in the gums, or bleeding and recession, you should let us know right away!

Start Treatment!

Our team will conduct a detailed examination with detailed digital imaging systems, so we can assess the cause and extent of your periodontal concerns. We could use preventive treatments for the early stages, such as deep cleanings, holistic treatments, and supportive periodontal maintenance. For the more advanced stages, we could employ lasers to remove diseased tissues to aid in the application of gum grafts. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat issues like gum disease to keep your smile whole, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to make sure you can smile with confidence for years to come!

Speak With Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Your Periodontal Health

Our team wants to make sure you can enjoy a full smile by protecting your overall oral health. If you would like to find out more about this disease and how it could threaten your smile, please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.