Have you found yourself with swollen gums or bleeding gums that can’t seem to get better on their own? Gum disease might be to blame. Dr. Kashou and our team are highly skilled in quality gum disease care.
If you are starting to lose your ability to eat or open your mouth properly, you could need to address gum infection. Choose Avocado Family Dentistry to help with your gum disease today!
What Exactly Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when too much plaque and tartar seep into your gums, which causes your teeth to lose functionality. This disease usually results from poor dental hygiene or certain medical conditions.
There are two primary stages of periodontal disease:
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a more minor form of gum disease. Common gingivitis symptoms include tender and bright red gums.
- Periodontitis: Periodontitis is typically unresolved gingivitis. Patients typically report damaged tooth roots, sensitive teeth, and difficulty chewing.
Why Should I Visit Avocado Family Dentistry Office for Treatment for Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Choosing Avocado Family Dentistry for your gingivitis and periodontitis treatment means entrusting your oral health to experts who understand the complexities of periodontal disease. Our office is renowned for its patient-first approach, ensuring each individual’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific gum disease stage, from gum infection to gum recession. Here are some key qualities that set us apart:
- Expertise in Periodontal Care
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools
- Customized Treatment Plans
- Patient Education
- Compassionate Service
By focusing on comprehensive care and patient education, we aim not only to treat gum disease but also to empower our patients with the knowledge to prevent its recurrence, ensuring a healthier, happier smile.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Understanding the causes and symptoms of gum disease is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
Causes of Gum Disease:
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Neglecting daily oral care routines, like brushing and flossing, allows plaque to build up, leading to gum disease. Regular dental checkups are essential to remove tartar and monitor gum health.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and heart disease, can increase the risk of developing gum disease. These conditions can affect the body’s immune response, making it harder to fight off infections, including those that start in the gums.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to gum disease, meaning it can be more prevalent or severe despite good oral hygiene practices.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, especially those that cause dry mouth or gum changes, can contribute to gum disease. Reduced saliva flow due to medications can lead to a higher risk of oral infections.
Why Do I Have Such Bad Breath?
When you know what to look for, it can be easier to know what’s normal in your dental health and when to seek help. Even things such as bad breath can be a gingivitis symptom, and might need professional treatment.
Gum disease symptoms to look out for:
- Red, Swollen Gums: Healthy gums are firm and pink. If your gums are red, swollen, or tender, it might be a sign of gum disease.
- Bleeding Gums: Gums bleeding during brushing or flossing is one of the earliest signs of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.
- Persistent Bad Breath: While bad breath can have several causes, chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular dental hygiene might be a sign of gum disease.
- Gum Recession: If your teeth appear longer than normal, it could be due to your gums receding. Gum recession is a common symptom of progressing gum disease.
- Loose Teeth: Advanced gum infection can weaken the structures supporting your teeth, leading to tooth mobility or loss.
- Pain or Discomfort: Pain when chewing or a general discomfort in your gums can indicate gum disease.
Early detection and treatment of gum disease are key to maintaining your oral health. If you notice any of these gingivitis symptoms, it’s important to consult a dental professional promptly before it progresses to periodontitis. At Avocado Family Dentistry, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat gum disease, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation!
Gum Disease Gingivitis and Periodontitis Treatment at Our Dentist Office
Dr. Kashou will walk you through an ideal gum disease treatment depending on the disease’s severity and personal circumstances. Depending on the general condition of your mouth, we will use scaling and root planing or at-home dental care to help you walk away with fresh breath. Below is a brief overview of our two most common gum disease treatments offered at Avocado Family Dentistry.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a more complex dental treatment built to help remove the plaque that caused your gum disease in the first place. Here is a summary of how the visit will work:
- Dr. Kashou will examine the teeth and take dental scans to find a precise plan of action.
- Dr. Kashou will use scaling to remove the tartar and plaque below the gumline.
- Root planing is afterward completed to smooth the roots and keep the gums intact.
At-Home Gum Care
Many times, especially in the case of gingivitis, your dental treatment may come from a simple yet regimented gum care treatment. Dr. Kashou will instruct you on specific pastes and solutions to use to help you get back on your feet on your own!
What are the Dangers of Not Treating My Gum Disease?
We recommend that gum disease be treated as immediately as possible to help avoid the following ailments:
- Periodontitis: This late stage of gum disease can cause gum recession, infection, and long-term dental damage. Save yourself time and money by treating it soon!
- Damaged Teeth: Damaged teeth can significantly decrease your quality of life, create digestive problems, and require hundreds of dollars in replacement prosthetics.
- Lost Teeth: Gum disease can worsen to the point where your gums are no longer stable enough to hold your teeth, and they fall out. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Overall Health Risks: If the infection in your gums continues to get worse, it can spread to your bloodstream and present complications in diabetes or pregnancy, and increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Treat your gum health before it becomes a major problem for your teeth and overall health. Call Avocado Family Dentistry today to get started!
Get Excellent Periodontal Care At Avocado Family Dentistry
Dr. Kashou and our dental staff can help you find solutions for gingivitis and periodontitis. We are eager to help you get past the dangers of periodontal disease and on to better health. Set up an appointment with Dr. Kashou at our El Cajon, CA, office today!
