Feb
Gum disease is more common than people think, particularly among adults. In its early stage of gingivitis, gum disease may have very mild symptoms like swollen gums or occasional bleeding when brushing or flossing. Over time, your condition can worsen, putting your oral health at risk. At Granite Bay Dentistry, serving residents in Folsom, Roseville, Loomis, Lincoln, Rocklin, and Granite Bay, California, we recommend getting gum inflammation treatment at the first sign of gingivitis to preserve the health of your gums and teeth. Here’s what you should know about gum disease causes and treatment.
Gum disease is an infection caused by plaque and tartar build-up on your gums and teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and gum inflammation are common gum disease symptoms. Early gum disease is called gingivitis, the first stage of the infection. As the disease progresses, it becomes periodontitis, a more advanced stage characterized by pockets of bacteria developing around your teeth, receding gums, and painful chewing. In its advanced stage, periodontal disease can destroy the supporting tissues of your teeth, resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss.
Although there’s no cure for periodontal disease, there are treatments that can help reduce swollen gums and manage other symptoms to help preserve your smile. Depending on the stage and severity of your condition, Dr. Colby Smith can address gum disease through:
Treating gum disease sooner rather than later is essential to protecting and preserving your smile.
To schedule a consultation for gum disease treatment, contact Granite Bay Dentistry in Granite Bay, CA, at (916) 735-4720.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Colby Smith earned a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree with honors at UC Santa Barbara before completing his doctorate and advanced residency training at UCLA, where he also taught for over a decade. One of under 1% of dentists nationally to achieve Board-certification in General Dentistry, he prioritizes ongoing education, completing over 150 hours annually, teaching fellow dentists, and contributing to scientific literature. Dr. Smith is a member of the ADA, American Board of General Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, and Sacramento District Dental Society.