Call Us: (213) 863-9464
31
Dec
Prevent gum disease from stealing your smile with effective treatment and preventive options
Gum disease affects the structures surrounding your teeth, causing tooth loss and a host of other oral challenges. Regrettably, because gum disease is virtually painless, most patients seek treatment when it’s too late. During dental appointments at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, California, dentist Dr. Don Mungcalexamines your teeth and gums to check for any signs of gum disease. Should any be spotted, Dr. Mungcal will discuss an effective treatment plan with you, depending on the stage of your gum disease.
Gum disease explained
Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar linger on your teeth and gums for too long. Poor oral hygiene, smoking and skipping dental checkups cause tartar buildup, producing toxic bacteria that damage your gums. Gum disease exists in two primary forms. Gingivitis is the early stage of the disease, characterized by swollen, bleeding gums when brushing your teeth — this stage of gum disease is reversible. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease that causes gum deterioration and tooth loss.
Treating gum disease
At Downtown Dental, we can’t just sit and watch gum disease wreak havoc on your oral health. We offer the following periodontal treatments to restore your oral health to its optimal best:
- Deep cleaning: Carefully cleaning at and BELOW the gum line to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria to stop the spread of infection.
- We offer customized trays that fit snugly in your mouth to deliver treatment directly onto your gums.
- Antibiotic therapy: We offer topical and/or oral antibiotics to keep the infection in check.
- Periodontal laser therapy: For advanced gum disease, we offer minimally invasive laser therapy to restore the health of your gums.
- Follow up maintenance appointments: Once you have done any or all of the above, you must see us every 3-4 months for specialized cleanings. It’s so easy to slide back into gum disease once you’ve already had it. These aren’t “just a cleaning” (as we’ve heard some patients refer to them). These are more involved (no pain) but they require at least a dental hygienist’s watchful and expert eye!
Preventing gum disease
Preventive dental care is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your gums and teeth healthy. You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene at home, which involves brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet. Also, avoid bad habits like smoking and chewing tobacco. Above all, remember to honor your dental appointments every six months (at least – every 3-4 months is recommended for patients with active gum disease or a history of gum disease) with Dr. Don Mungcal.
Treating gum disease in Los Angeles, CA
If you suspect you have gum disease, seek urgent treatment before it causes irreversible and long-term effects on your health. Please dial [phone_no] to book an appointment with Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA.
Share this Article
![Dr. Don Mungcal]()
Dr. Don Mungcal
![Dr. Tara Mavadat]()
Dr. Tara Mavadat
![Dr. Ivan Chan]()
Dr. Ivan Chan
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.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your 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.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!