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23
Dec
‘Is there a cure for gum disease?’ Los Angeles dentist provides critical gingivitis treatment
Keeping a healthy mouth is important for many reasons. First, a beautiful smile is usually a reflection of a healthy mouth. However, a healthy mouth, one that doesn’t have tooth decay and gum disease, is also important for your overall health. Many patients understand the causes and treatments of tooth decay but are not as educated about gum disease. Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental in Los Angeles helps his patients understand treatment for gingivitis and gum disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease occurs when bacteria is trapped beneath the gums and they become infected. While there is no cure for gum disease, it can be treated and managed, particularly when it is caught as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Symptoms of gingivitis
Many patients believe that spots of blood while brushing or flossing their teeth is common and not of concern. While it may happen to many people, it’s also the first sign that your gums are infected. Other symptoms of gingivitis include swollen gums, darkness or discoloration of the gums, bad breath, and gums that are sore or beginning to recede.
Treatment for gingivitis
In most cases, gingivitis can be treated quickly and effectively using one or several of the following:
- Professional dental cleaningto remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gums. A deeper form of this procedure is called scaling and root planing. Your dental hygienist will use professional tools to remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This keeps the bacteria from coming back and ensures proper healing.
- Dental restorationto adjust teeth or dental appliances that may irritate the gums or make it hard to brush and floss away plaque and bacteria.
- Oral surgery may be required if the gingivitis is beginning to progress into periodontitis. In this case, the gums will be pulled back and the infection will be completely removed. Next, the dentist will suture the gums tightly into place to prevent the infection from coming back.
For more information about gingivitis symptoms or treatment, call Downtown Dental at 213-863-9464.
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Dr. Don Mungcal
As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and
exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by
attending to their dental care needs.
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.