Periodontal Disease Prevention in Downey, CA
Just like you need a solid foundation to support your home, your jawbone and gums are your teeth's foundation and support system. Periodontal (gum) disease can jeopardize your teeth's
foundation, impact your overall health, and even result in tooth loss.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the bone and soft tissues that support your teeth. It usually stems from plaque and tartar buildup that irritates your gums and results from poor oral hygiene. The buildup can work its way below your gumline and cause an infection.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, you may notice a few subtle signs and symptoms like:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or irritated gums
- Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with a mouth rinse or brushing
If you notice these symptoms, it's essential to visit your Downey dentist right away for a professional teeth cleaning and checkup. Some patients can proactively reverse their condition with improvements to their home care routine and a thorough professional teeth cleaning.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is also called periodontitis, and it's during this stage that much of the damage is done to your smile. Some signs you might notice if you have periodontitis are:
- Teeth that are sensitive to biting, pressure, sweets, and temperature
- Severe gum recession
- Teeth that are feeling mobile
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
Gum disease treatment in Downey might include a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy to combat the infection, and gum surgery for more severe cases.
