Periodontal (Gum) Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

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What is Periodontal Disease and the Treatment Options available at Granite Bay Dentistry

Are your gums puffy or red? Have you spotted bloodstains in the sink while brushing your teeth? That should worry you because the culprit could be gum disease. Gum infection starts with little to no signs, and within no time, it advances into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. So, if you spot signs of gum disease in Granite Bay, California, please book an appointment with Granite Bay Dentistry for effective treatment.

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

A healthy mouth contains about 700 different kinds of bacteria, most of which are harmless. The type of bacteria that causes gum disease is called periodontal bacteria. Usually, these bacteria aren’t harmful, but when plaque and tartar form in your mouth, they create a suitable environment for harmful bacteria to multiply. The infection produces toxins that trigger your body’s natural response to inflammation, leading to swollen and inflamed gums.

The early form of gum disease is called gingivitis and can be reversed with good oral hygiene. However, if you don’t treat gingivitis, it advances to periodontitis, which encourages the formation of pockets as gums pull away from your teeth. If treatment isn’t sought at this stage, the spaces created become more infected, and the infection spreads to the jawbone, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

Treating gum disease

As mentioned, the early form of gum disease can be reversed by brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. However, mild gum disease requires deep cleaning to remove tartar, which at-home dental routine practices can’t eliminate. Deep cleaning involves root planing and scaling to remove plaque and tartar on the tooth surface and beneath the gum line.

Other treatments for periodontal disease include:

  • Antibiotic therapy to clear up the infection
  • Gum surgery to treat diseased gum tissue
  • Bone grafting to restore your jawbone

Once you complete your periodontal treatment, Dr. Colby Smith will encourage you to continue with at-home oral care followed by frequent dental cleanings (could be up to four times a year). The objective is to ensure that gum disease doesn’t strike again.

Gentle periodontal treatment near me

If you suspect you have gum disease, please see a dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease can progress first, so you don’t have much time to “wait and see.” If you are in Granite Bay, CA, please dial (916) 735-4720 to book an appointment with Granite Bay Dentistry. We serve other nearby areas, including Folsom, Roseville, Loomis, Lincoln, and Rocklin.

Gum Disease

Gum Disease

The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis includes swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized by irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage, but at this stage, the results are not reversible. Advanced periodontitis is when the fibers and bones supporting the teeth destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen. Teeth may have to be removed depending on how advanced the disease has become and if treatments are not effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today.