Good dental
hygiene affects more than just your teeth. Brushing and flossing are well known
methods to prevent cavities, but did you know that the same bacteria that
creates plaque and tartar on your teeth will continue to spread into the soft
tissue? If the bacteria is not stopped, gum disease will soon follow. When
caught early on in stage one, the condition known as gingivitis can be reversed
by a good dental cleaning and an improved daily brushing regime. Santa
Monica Periodontics & Implant Surgery offers a number of effective treatments from the simplest
cases to the most severe cases.
How do I get Gum Disease?
Gum disease
is caused by bacteria that feed on the sugars in food and drinks that you
ingest. As these bacteria grow, they produce various toxins and chemicals that
can damage teeth. Eventually, these bacteria grow and develop pockets under the
gum line. This irritates gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. In
time, gum disease can spread deep into the supporting structures of the teeth,
destroying even the underlying bone, to put you at risk for tooth loss.
Fortunately,
good dental hygiene combined with regular visits to the dentist can greatly
reduce your chances of developing gum disease, helping you to maintain strong,
healthy teeth and gums. When brushing your teeth, be sure to gently brush your
gums in a circular motion. This helps to remove debris and plaque at the most important
area. Flossing is also important in order to remove particles of food stuck
between teeth.
How do I know if I need gum disease treatment?
In its
mildest form, gum disease will produce red, swollen or sometimes bleeding gums.
If you have any of these conditions and they persist for more than a week, it’s
important to schedule an appointment. When more serious symptoms develop, you
may not even notice the problem until the hygienist or doctor points it out to
you. Gum disease is known as a silent disease, meaning many patients aren't even aware they have it until they go in for an exam or lose a tooth.
- Have you
noticed that your gums have begun to recede?
- Is the
soft tissue pulling away from the tooth?
Pockets are
formed between the tooth and gums. Food and tartar will collect there and contribute
to the breeding of bad bacteria. Without a good deep cleaning, the infection
will grow and continue to spread to neighboring teeth and eventually down to
the bone. At this point, your toothbrush will not win the fight alone. Santa Monica Periodontics & Implant Surgery offers several gum disease therapies
to treat the affected areas and help restore oral health.
Dental Hygiene routines are not the only factors
Other risk
factors include a family history of gum disease, smoking or using tobacco,
stress, diabetes, and a diet low in minerals or high in sugary foods.
If you are
experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, whether red and swollen gums,
or gums that bleed easily during brushing and flossing, make an appointment
right away. Contact Santa Monica Periodontics & Implant Surgery. Let our
periodontists be your gum specialists!
