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.

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