What Is Gum Disease?

Gum Disease (also known as Periodontal Disease) is an infection within the tissues that hold your teeth in place. In most cases it is caused by unsatisfactory brushing and flossing habits, which allows plaque to build up on your teeth. This sticky film can eventually harden and as peridontal disease sets it it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, pain while chewing, and eventual tooth loss.

Our mouths are filled with bacteria. This bacteria, as well as other particles and mucus, are always forming a sticky plaque on your teeth. Proper dental maintenance like brushing and flossing helps get rid of plaque, but plaque that doesn’t get removed can then harden and form tartar which cannot be removed by brushing. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dentist or hygienist with the right tools.

Other risk factors also contribute to gum disease, but the most significant one is smoking. Smoking also makes treatment for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, diabetes, Medications, illnesses, and genetic susceptibility.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some symptoms of periodontal disease are:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Sore or bleeding gums
• Pain while chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed

During your visit to Green California Dental Group, your dentist will examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation. Then they will use a tiny measuring tool called a probe to check any pockets around your teeth and make sure they are the appropriate depth of 1 to 3mm. This is a usually painless test that will not take long at all.

They will also ask questions about your medical history to determine and conditions or risk factors, and they will also take a digital X-ray as well.

If the case is severe, your doctor will refer you to a periodontist, who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Treatment of Gum Disease

The goal of treatment is to control the infection in your gums. The types of treatment and how many will depend on the extent of the gum disease. All treatments will also require that the patient keeps up with daily care at home. The dentist might also recommend behavioral changes like quitting smoking to improve your results.

Prevention

You can do your part to prevent gum disease by:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with flouride toothpaste
• Flossing or using a pick or water flosser to remove plaque between your teeth
• Visiting Green California Dental Group regularly for an exam and cleaning
• Quitting smoking

Dr. Kerikorian and his skilled staff will make sure that your visit will be pleasant and that you leave our Burbank office with a bright and healthy smile. Right now, you can get an amazing deal where an exam and cleaning is only $129! Come now to ensure the future of your smile and overall health

Green California Dental Group

1822 W Burbank Blvd

Burbank, CA 91506

Phone: 818-238-9700