What Causes Periodontal Disease?

encinitas gum diseaseAs periodontal experts, we know how to diagnose and treat periodontal disease, whether you have a minor case of gingivitis or a more severe case of periodontitis. Treatment can manage it to help prevent issues like tooth loss! In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the causes of periodontal disease and how we can help with laser dentistry.

The Causes of Periodontal Disease

What causes the disease to form in our gums? When we don’t brush and floss properly and have a high amount of sugar and starch in our diet, which is common during the holiday season, this could leave behind particles for harmful oral bacteria to consume. As bacteria break down these sugar and starch particles, this creates plaque buildup that coats the teeth and inflames the gums. This inflammation, known as gingivitis, will grow in severity unless treated. Eventually, the gums pull back from the teeth and develop pockets for harmful bacteria to enter, leading to periodontal disease. Other factors include a family history of gum issues, inflammatory illness like diabetes, the use of certain medications, or tobacco use.

When to See Our Team for Treatment

When should you contact our team for treatment? We suggest a visit with our team to undergo care at the first signs of trouble. When you notice any changes to your gum tissues, please reach out to our team right away to discuss solutions. Common warning songs include sore gums, redness, and bleeding when you brush and floss. As the disease progresses, you could also develop recession that makes teeth appear long or uneven. At this stage, you need to see our team for treatment!

Laser Dentistry

We can take on even severe periodontitis stages with laser dentistry. Our systems use soft tissue lasers to gently trim away the diseased portions of your smile. Our team will then reshape the gum line for better symmetry, and destroy pockets of disease-causing bacteria in the process. Our team can then manage the issue with preventive actions moving forward, such as routine cleanings every three to four months and better homecare habits.

If you have any questions about how we use dental lasers to offer relief, or if you would like to schedule a visit now and undergo care before the holidays arrive and your 2025 dental benefits expire, then reach out to our team today to get started. We want to help you enjoy a better smile in 2206 and beyond!

Schedule Your Appointment for Advanced Treatment

We want to help you smile with confidence and enjoy good oral health too, so see our team for treatment with advanced dental lasers. To learn more about helping your smile with laser dentistry, call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.