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.
Benefits of Periodontal Care
Preventing gum disease is key to maintaining a healthy, lasting smile. Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to serious dental issues, but with the right habits and care, it’s often preventable. If you’re looking for effective gum disease treatment in Downey, a proactive approach is your best defense.
Protect Your Teeth and Gums
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and damage to the supporting gum tissue. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings help keep plaque, bacteria, and infection at bay.
Avoid Pain and Inflammation
Gum disease often starts with mild symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums, but it can quickly progress to discomfort and even pain if not addressed. Preventive care helps maintain healthy, pain-free gums.
Save on Future Dental Costs
Preventing gum disease now means you’re less likely to need extensive treatments down the line. Regular checkups and cleanings can catch any issues early, saving you discomfort and expense in the future.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Christian Yang
developed with my patients over the years that I value the most.”
The Oral Systemic Connection
Science has found a clear connection between the inflammation causing gum disease and that which causes other systemic health concerns like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream, which brings it to other areas of the body, contributing to these other health concerns and vice versa.
Taking care of your dental health also means looking out for your overall health and well-being.
Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
No matter where you are in your dental journey, it's never too late to get your smile back on track and protect your dental health.
At Christian Yang, DDS, we offer a friendly, caring, and judgment-free environment, so even if it's been a while since you've visited a dentist, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a cleaning and exam.
When you're consistent with your preventive teeth cleanings and checkups and visit our office every six months for routine dental care, we can help you protect your dental health (and your wallet) by detecting problems early so you can treat them when they're simple and less expensive to deal with.
If it's time for your next exam and teeth cleaning in Downey, don't hesitate to contact our team at (562) 869-4713 to schedule.