How do you know if your gums are in trouble? These tissues frame your smile and protect your oral health and smile stability. But periodontal disease could mean weakened smiles and tooth loss! In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about recognizing the common warning signs of gum disease!
When You Should See Our Team
You should always let us know when you notice changes to your gum tissues, as this could incite the presence of inflammation or even periodontal disease. For example, if your tissues are sore, appear redder than normal, or bleed easily. Swelling or receding tissues are also signs of trouble. You should let us know because without treatment, the disease could reach the periodontitis stage, which is linked to adult tooth loss.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The disease is caused by gum inflammation, which can eventually cause gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter. The inflammation could be due to issues like poor brushing and flossing or a diet high in sugar, both causing plaque buildup that irritates and inflames the gingival tissues. Other factors include a family history of poor gum health, tobacco use, certain medications, and inflammatory illnesses. Lack of professional cleanings to remove harmful buildup is also a possible cause.
The Long-Term Dangers
Without treatment, the issue grows in severity until the tissues connecting your teeth and gums are destroyed, leading to loose and missing teeth. In fact, this is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease is also linked to related inflammation illness, and could even be linked to an increased risk of dementia, diabetes, and more. Which is why care is so crucial to protect your oral health. When you notice symptoms, let us conduct an examination to assess the cause and extent of your periodontal concerns, so we can plan treatment. We can use holistic options to manage it and prevent issues, such as cleanings, Supportive Periodontal Maintenance, or even Ozone Therapy. We also have laser dentistry to remove diseased tissues and aid in the healing process, and a noninvasive alternative to gum grafts with the Pinhole Surgical Technique.
If you have any questions about how we treat issues like gum disease, then please reach out to our team today to learn more. We want to help you and your family continue to enjoy full and healthy smiles, and that requires strong gums!
Schedule a Visit to Protect Your Gum Health
Our team is ready to help you maintain a full and healthy smile! If you would like to find out more about preventing or successfully managing gum disease, please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.