Many Los Angeles patients believe that if all their teeth are in place and if they’re not experiencing pain, they must have a healthy mouth. In many cases, when that patient is taking care of their teeth and gums at home and visiting the dentist for regular checkups, they are right – their mouth is healthy. However, some conditions can affect your teeth and gums well before you begin to feel pain.
Gum disease is one example of a condition that isn’t noticed until it has advanced. Many patients think that the early symptoms are normal or explain them away by relating them to other things. For example, bleeding gums is a common indicator of gum disease, yet many patients think that bleeding gums just happen sometimes, or they believe that sores in their mouth were caused by eating acidic foods or by stress.
Dr. Mungcal of Downtown Dental in Los Angeles believes that early detection is the key to stopping and reversing gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. Other signs of gum disease include swollen, red, or sore gums; bad breath that won’t go away; or teeth that begin to feel loose or appear longer. If you detect any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mungcal. He can determine if you have gingivitis, or a more advanced form of gum disease.
If gum disease is detected early, it can often be reversed through a professional cleaning by your dental hygienist, regular visits to the dentist, and better at-home care. However, if gingivitis progresses and becomes periodontitis, treatment can be more extensive.
To ensure you keep gum disease at bay, practice a good oral health care regimen at home. Brush your teeth after each meal, or at least twice each day; floss daily to remove tiny pieces of food from between your teeth; and avoid habits such as smoking or tobacco use. Dr. Mungcal and the team at Downtown Dental help patients detect and treat gingivitis and gum disease with innovative non-surgical treatments. If you suspect you have gingivitis, call Downtown Dental today to schedule an appointment.
