Gum Disease
Did you know that a high percentage—50% or more!—of Americans have some form of periodontal disease, also called gum disease? It is far more prevalent than most people realize. And too many people do not take periodontal disease seriously, causing it to be the number one reason for tooth loss in adults.
At The Lodi Dentist, our team takes steps to prevent gum disease and catch and treat any symptoms of the problem as soon as possible before it can progress to harmful levels. If you have bleeding gums or soreness in your mouth, call our team right away for effective periodontal treatment for all levels of gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that has gathered in your mouth which starts to poorly impact your dental health. It can manifest itself in rather simple symptoms such as having bad breath or occasional bleeding gums when brushing and flossing. But untreated, periodontal disease can progress until it causes your gums to recede, loosening your teeth and even leading to missing teeth. Yes, it can be that serious.
There is also some rather substantial evidence that your mouth can determine good total body health (or the lack of it) in general. What goes into your mouth leads to what goes into the rest of your body. That, too, is a compelling reason why having good oral health is important.
Our dedicated team is here to help you and we are located in Lodi to serve the Stockton and Galt areas.
What Are The Stages Of Gum Disease?
There are two main stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the early stage and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing. Periodontitis is the advanced stage where the infection affects the bone and tissue supporting the teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene and lax flossing habits. Other factors include:
- Medications that Reduce Saliva Flow
- Smoking
- Hormonal Changes
- Genetics
- Certain Medical Conditions (Like Diabetes)
Find the Best Gum Disease Treatment for You
Our dentists will perform a thorough examination, checking for signs of inflammation, measuring gum pocket depths, and possibly taking X-rays to assess bone loss. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, don’t worry—one of the best periodontal disease treatment systems is right at your fingertips: better home hygiene!
Brushing for at least three minutes twice a day, flossing once per day, and finishing with a rinse of a trusted anti-gingival mouthwash, is an excellent gum disease treatment that can make a huge difference in your oral health.
Your dentist can also offer you gum disease treatment with regular cleanings. If your gum disease is more advanced, there are several other gum disease treatment options that can help you once again gain good dental health:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
A non-surgical procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline, and smoothing the roots of the teeth to promote healing.
Medications
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial treatments to help control infection.
Surgical Treatments
In advanced cases, surgical options may be necessary to restore health, including flap surgery to reduce gum pockets or bone grafts to support the structure of the jaw.
Ongoing Care
After treatment, it’s essential to maintain regular dental visits for monitoring and ongoing care to prevent recurrence.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. However periodontitis requires more intensive treatment, and while it can be managed, damage caused may not be completely reversible.
Enjoy Healthy Gums Every Day
If you have any concerns about gum disease, call today. Our experienced team is here to provide personalized care and support your oral health needs. For those who are in Galt or Stockton, we are just a short distance away in Lodi. CA. We hope to see you soon.