Millions of Americans suffer from gum disease, but many are unaware that they even have this serious infection. A major indicator of gum disease is inflammation, which is the body’s way of shielding, guarding and protecting itself from infection. It is important for individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease and the different therapy methods that are available for gum disease treatment in Poway CA.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial plaque, which is a sticky film that continuously forms around the teeth. The accumulation of plaque around the teeth can advance beneath the gum tissue and when it settles over time, it hardens into tartar.

In a healthy mouth, the gum tissues and bone fit snugly around the teeth; however, when periodontal disease is established, the bone and gum tissues become damaged and form pockets around the teeth. As time progresses, these pockets become deeper, which enables bacterial plaque to settle and grow. Bacterial plaque can be removed through daily brushing, flossing and routine dental cleanings, all of which can help hold off the risk of gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease in Poway CA

Periodontal diseases are often painless, so it’s important for you to be aware of any of the following symptoms:

• Gums that easily bleed when brushing or flossing;
• Swollen, red or tender gums;
• Gum tissue that moves away from the tooth;
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth;
• Permanent teeth that can be moved back and forth or shifted;
• A change in the way your teeth fit together;
• A change in the fit of partial dentures;
• Visible pus surrounding teeth and gums;
• Sharp or dull pains when chewing foods;
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.

Gum Disease Contributing Factors

There are certain factors that contribute to an increase in the risk of developing periodontal disease, such as stress, genetics and age. The use of tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition and obesity can all affect the gums. Also teens, women taking oral contraceptives, and women who are pregnant are more likely to be at risk of periodontal diseases due to changes in their body’s hormonal levels.

Bacterial plaque can be held in place around crooked teeth, poorly fitting bridges and fillings that are worn or cracked. The use of certain medications, such as drugs for cancer therapy, steroids, some calcium channel blockers and some anti-epilepsy drugs can contribute to periodontal diseases.

Options for Gum Disease Treatment in Poway CA

A dentist or periodontist may recommend certain procedures after diagnosing, determining a prognosis and creating a treatment plan. One treatment method for periodontal disease is accomplished by scaling and root planning or nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which accomplishes the removal of bacterial plaque and tartar from the root surfaces through procedures using hand, sonic and ultrasonic instruments. Additional therapy, such as antimicrobial medicines, is typically followed after scaling and root planning.

Laser treatment is sometimes used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. During periodontal procedures, each laser uses different wavelengths and power levels to safely remove calculus deposits.

Another form of treatment is pharmacological therapy, which involves both systemic and local drug delivery. Systemic antibiotics are used to decrease or halt the progression of periodontitis; however, local delivery involves chemical substances that provide controlled delivery within periodontal pockets to improve periodontal health.

Surgical therapy procedures are used to provide better access for removal of bacterial plaque and dental calculus; to construct gum tissues; and to reduce depth of pockets. Regenerative surgical therapy procedures are performed to regenerate lost bone and tissue when the bone supporting teeth has been destroyed by periodontal disease. Some of the damage can be reversed through regenerating lost tissue and bone.

Dental Visits for Gum Disease Treatments in Poway CA

Routine dental visits should occur at least once a year, but they must become more frequent if you experience any of the symptoms we mentioned above. The state of your periodontal health can be determined via a comprehensive evaluation performed by your dentist or periodontist in Poway CA.

Are you experiencing some of these symptoms? Worried that you may be suffering from periodontal disease? Don’t hesitate – contact our office today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your options for gum disease treatment in Poway CA.

And don’t let a fear of the treatment cost stop you from visiting us. We have surprisingly affordable payment options!