Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and is associated with a wide range of other oral health and systemic health concerns. Gum disease is a progressive disease that affects millions of patients and too often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of preventative dental health care.
Dr. Georgia Haddad and our dental care team provide thorough gum disease screenings at every dental check-up. Catching gum disease early is the best for effective treatment and to avoid the development of associated dental health risks.
The health of your gums is essential for a stable bite and beautiful smile. Gums support the teeth’s root structure and help keep your teeth in alignment. When gum disease spreads, the health and stability of the gums become compromised.
Gums may get swollen, bleed, and begin to recede, reducing the gums’ ability to hold teeth in place. As gum disease progresses, teeth may become loose and often fall out.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms in your mouth constantly, is the leading cause of gum disease. You must remove plaque every day with regular brushing and flossing to avoid the development of tartar. Tartar is a hard substance that creates a protective shield for the bacteria, allowing it to multiply and attack your gums.
If bacteria invade your gums, inflammation will occur, and your gums can bleed. These are the early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis. While this lack of oral care is the leading cause of gum disease, several other risk factors exist. Smoking, chewing tobacco, genetics, pregnancy, diabetes, stress, and certain medications can also increase your risk of periodontal disease.
What Are The Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a major dental problem in our office that requires professional treatment. It begins subtly with minor symptoms but progresses to more severe stages that threaten overall dental health. There are two stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. It is generally characterized by red, inflamed gums that bleed easily, especially when you are brushing or flossing teeth. Many people with gingivitis also have a bad taste in their mouth or terrible breath. Gingivitis can occur without or with pain, making it hard for patients to diagnose themselves.
At this stage, the disease is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. Early detection and treatment are key, making regular dental appointments imperative.
Periodontitis
If you fail to seek treatment for gingivitis, periodontitis will develop, the second stage of gum disease. At this stage, the inflammation reaches the bone that supports your teeth. You may experience some bone loss and gum recession that will make your teeth appear longer than normal. Small pockets form in the gums, where plaque and bacteria accumulate.
Early periodontitis symptoms include gingivitis, such as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, you may also notice your bite is different or your denture does not fit anymore. Terrible bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth may continue or worsen.
It’s important to remember that early periodontitis can still be managed with prompt and proper treatment. However, as the disease progresses, the treatment becomes more complex, and the damage to your gums, teeth, and bone becomes more difficult to reverse.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help allow for early intervention. If you visit Dr. Haddad regularly, you will be screened for signs of gum disease and can be treated immediately to reduce the risk of further damage to the gums and teeth. If you notice any of the following changes in your oral health, contact our Oxnard dentist’s office as soon as possible.
- Bleeding gums
- Shifting teeth
- Feeling that teeth are loose
- Change in the fit of the oral appliance
- Tender or swollen gums
- Red gums
- Recession of gum line
- Chronic halitosis
Periodontal Therapy: What to Expect
Treatment for periodontal disease will depend on the progression of the disease. Dr. Haddad will conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine your personal oral health needs. Our dental care team provides comprehensive treatment plans to help control the spread of gum disease and address any additional oral health concerns.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease in Oxnard, CA
- Scaling & Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is an intensive tooth and gum cleaning that removes the plaque and tartar buildup that causes gum disease. The procedure can reach into the deep pockets where bacteria breed.
- Laser Dentistry: Laser Dentistry is a state-of-the-art dental technique that can remove diseased tissue while stimulating new tissue growth. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that offers patients less downtime, bleeding, and swelling than traditional gum surgery. Laser dentistry may also be able to restore the gum line to proper balance if the gums have receded due to gum disease.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Gum disease affects many individuals and can have significant impacts on overall dental health. Here, we have listed frequently asked questions about gum disease to offer some insights into its causes, prevention, and treatment options to help you maintain healthy gums. Give us a call if you have more questions about gum disease and how to treat it.
How long after periodontal therapy can I eat?
Wait at least 30 minutes to eat or drink anything after your periodontal therapy appointment. Give your mouth time to rest and ensure that the treatment provides the most benefits possible.
How long does it take for the gums to reattach after deep cleaning?
Within a week or so, the gum tissue starts to reattach, and the discomfort should be gone. It takes six to eight weeks to reattach and heal fully.
How do you brush your teeth after periodontal therapy?
Use a brush with very soft bristles and use gentle, delicate movements to brush your teeth, especially for the first week. Rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water 2-3 times daily also helps to calm the inflammation and assist in healing.
Do I need sedation for periodontal therapy?
With laser dentistry, you likely won’t even need a local anesthetic. We use a local anesthetic for traditional periodontal therapy to numb the area we’re working on. We also offer sedation options to keep you calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.
What should I do before periodontal therapy?
Make sure to brush and floss before your visit, especially if you just ate. Food particles can cause you discomfort during treatment. Avoid teeth whitening treatments too close to this, as that can cause extreme sensitivity.
Can I use mouthwash after a deep cleaning?
Depending on the circumstances, we may prescribe you an antimicrobial mouthwash. It helps to assist in healing and keep bacteria away from the areas that were just cleaned. Ask your dentist about using other types of mouthwash.
Schedule an Appointment for Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Oxnard, CA
If you are seeking expert dental care for gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Haddad with Beach Cities Dental Group. Call today at (805) 278-8887 or request an appointment online. We can provide you with the periodontal disease treatment in Oxnard, CA to help you regain your oral health.