What do you know about periodontal disease? This common and widespread oral health issue could threaten your smile’s stability and cause discomfort. But we can help! In today’s blog, Dr. Ann Kania and our team in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, talks about the presence of periodontal disease and how we protect smiles with dental lasers and more.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
How does such a widespread issue as gum disease start? Factors could vary, such as poor brushing and flossing or a diet high in sugar, both factors that could lead to plaque and tartar buildup. This buildup then irritates and inflames the gums to create gingivitis, inflammation that eventually leads to disease. Other potential causes include a family history of the disease, lack of professional cleanings, inflammatory illnesses like diabetes, and tobacco use.
The Warning Signs
How do you know when to see treatment for gum disease? Warning signs could include soreness in the gums, and the tissues could appear redder than usual. You may also notice bleeding when you brush and floss. Over time, the gums could also recede, which leads to teeth that appear longer and an increased risk of periodontitis, the stage linked to adult tooth loss. When these possible warning signs occur, contact our team right away for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment for periodontal disease.
Treatment and Management
Our team will make a diagnosis with digital imaging to assess the presence and severity of the disease. Next, we will create a treatment plan to tackle the issue. For example, we could offer a scaling and root planing to gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots, which can make the issue manageable moving forward. If you have a more severe case of disease, then our team could offer treatment with perio soft tissue lasers, which can gently trim away diseased portions and reshape the gum line, destroying harmful bacteria at the same time. We have multiple laser systems available to help!
Following treatment, we could offer Supportive Periodontal Maintenance to control buildup and inflammation every three to four months, as well as Ozone Therapy to destroy harmful bacteria. We also have antimicrobial medications as well, and can discuss better homecare habits to protect your teeth and gums.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat periodontal disease, then contact our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey!
Schedule Your Appointment for Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease could threaten your oral health and smile stability, but we can help with an array of periodontic treatments, from deep cleanings to advanced laser systems. To learn more about managing your oral health, then call Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, today at 760-642-0711.