
Jan
Gum disease has various stages of severity. The earliest stage is gingivitis, and if not treated it can progress to periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque that builds up on teeth at or below the gum line. Signs include redness of the gums, and gums that bleed with normal oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is a reversible condition with proper care.
Left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. This is characterized by gum tissue pulling away from teeth. Pockets are formed that house bacteria and leads to infection. This infection can spread and destroy bone and gum tissue. As gum disease progresses, patients may notice that teeth become loose, or teeth may actually be lost due to the condition.
Various factors increase the risk of harmful gum disease. Tobacco users will experience more difficulties related to gum disease. Hormones, illnesses, and certain medications may increase the chance of gum infections as well as decrease the body’s ability to heal them. Everyone can decrease the likelihood for developing gum disease with consistent and effective brushing and flossing.
Regular visits to the dentist will allow assessment of a patient’s oral health and for treatment to be initiated if any problems are noted during examination. Patients who experience red, swollen, or bleeding gums, loose teeth, receding gums, or deep pockets along the gum line should make a visit to their dentist immediately for evaluation.
Patients with any degree of gum disease will benefit from professional perio treatment to improve oral health and preserve natural teeth and bone structure. Los Angeles area residents are encouraged to visit Dr. Don Mungcal and the team at Downtown Dental for effective treatment options. The sooner problems are diagnosed and treated, the better the expected outcome. We offer gentle techniques for root planing and scaling, innovative laser treatments to improve health of gums and reduce bacteria, antibiotic therapy, and Perio Protect to help patients maintain health following in-office treatments.
Each patient is an individual, and we treat them as such. We use our specialized training and attention to detail to effectively assess and treat each case. We want to help patients restore and preserve their dental health. We encourage regular visits to obtain consistent care that will help avoid unnecessary treatments. We want to keep our patients happy and healthy, living their best life.