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03
Jan
Los Angeles gum disease specialist helps patients understand the condition better
There are several oral conditions that are preventable, including gum disease and tooth decay. When patients in Los Angeles, CA visit Dr. Don Mungcal of Downtown Dental, they are encouraged to ask their dentist about how they can properly care for their smile to avoid the development of these types of issues. A specialist can advise patients on how to care for their teeth and gums to reduce their risk of developing periodontal disease and other issues that may negatively impact the smile.
What is periodontal disease?
Also known as gum disease, Dr. Don Mungcal describes periodontal disease as an infection caused by bacteria. These bacteria cause an infection of the gum tissue that then spreads throughout the body through the oral systemic connection. This means that patients may not only deal with the infection in their mouth, but elsewhere in their body. In fact, patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease are often at a much higher risk of developing issues such as heart disease and experiencing a stroke. This infection needs to be diagnosed as early as possible for successful treatment.
Who is at risk for periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a risk for everyone. By not properly caring for the smile by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, patients may begin to develop gum disease. Once the infection begins, it cannot be cured. Instead, it may be controlled. This is the reason it is so important to take care of the smile to avoid the development of the condition in the first place.
How does periodontal disease form?
This condition is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria has the chance to develop when patients eat and drink foods and beverages, but do not properly clean the teeth and gums afterwards. This means that plaque and tartar are collecting on the surfaces of the teeth and soft tissues. Without treatment, patients can experience the later stages of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. This is when the gum tissues begin to recede, bone loss occurs, and patients may notice loose teeth. At this point, the smile may need extensive rehabilitation with the use of tooth replacements and gum grafting to bring the smile back to a healthier state.
What can be done for periodontal disease?
The first step in treating periodontal disease is getting a proper diagnosis by a dentist. Dr. Don Mungcal and his team provide diagnosis. The smile is physically evaluated to look for the signs of periodontal disease. The dentist then determines the stage the condition has reached. This may include evaluating the level of bacteria in the saliva. If bacteria exist, the dentist may administer antibiotics directly onto the surfaces of the tissue or may prescribe oral antibiotics. A thorough cleaning is performed, and may include scaling and root planing for the later stages. Patients may then be advised to visit the dentist frequently for treatment and to monitor the condition, ensuring that it is improving. This requires patients to take proper care of their smile at home, brushing and flossing as advised to help restore the smile to health while controlling the condition with the assistance of a dental team.
Is periodontal disease contagious?
Because the bacteria in the mouth can be spread through saliva, the condition can be contagious when family members kiss or share oral health products. Just like any bacteria, it can spread to others in this manner, so contact with the mouth of other individuals with periodontal disease should be avoided to reduce the risk of contracting periodontal disease from another.
Interested in learning more about periodontal disease?
Our team of professionals at Downtown Dental are here to provide an education in oral health and wellness. If you are ready to speak to a professional about periodontal disease or other conditions that can be prevented with the help of a dental team, contact us at 213-863-9464 to schedule a consultation appointment and evaluation. We are conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles, CA at 55 South Grand Avenue in Suite 204.
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![Dr. Don Mungcal]()
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.