People with gum disease often encounter discomfort and changes to their gums in the early stages. When this happens, care is crucial for managing the disease and preventing complications, such as tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the warning signs of gum disease and how we can manage it with laser dentistry.
The Causes and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can occur when the gums become inflamed and there isn’t treatment to reverse it. Then inflammation eventually enables the tissues to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter and leading to periodontal disease. At this point, care is needed to manage it and avoid the periodontitis stage, which is linked to adult tooth loss. The causes of your initial inflammation, also known as gingivitis, includes plaque buildup brought on by poor brushing and flossing habits, as well as a diet high in sugar and starch. Tobacco use, a family history of the disease, and inflammatory illnesses could also be responsible. You should let us know when you experience symptoms like sore and red gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, or recession that makes teeth appear longer than usual.
Treatment with Dental Lasers
Our team can employ advanced technology to manage the issue and protect your smile from tooth loss. We use the LANAP, REPAIR with WaterLase, and Fotona laser systems, choosing the best one for your situation. The technology enables our team to target the diseased areas with precision, removing these tissues without damaging healthy tissues and structures. Once we do, healthy tissues can attach to the teeth and help reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, so we can better manage the disease with preventive treatments. The technology can also help improve facial beauty and even treat sleep apnea.
Managing Your Oral Health
Along with our laser treatments, you can take steps to better protect your smile too. For example, avoid tobacco products and take time to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You also need to floss every evening and try to reduce the amount of sugar and starch in your diet. If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat your oral health concerns, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help manage your periodontal disease with the latest advances in laser technology, so you can enjoy a full and healthy smile.
Schedule Your Appointment for Advanced Treatment Options
Our team is ready to help you enjoy optimal oral health and full smiles. To learn more about how we treat and manage periodontal disease, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.