Gum Disease Treatment Hayward, CA
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits to your Hayward dentist can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease has two stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis: If left untreated, Gingivitis will advance into Periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist.
Signs and Symptoms Of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment
If you've been diagnosed with gum disease, the chance of successfully treating it is high as long as it’s treated promptly, and you follow the instructions of your dentist. Our dentist offers a variety of gum disease treatment options in Hayward, CA depending on the details of your situation and the severity of the problem.
The least invasive options are non-surgical, such as scaling and root planing. However, in more serious cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Periodontal surgery, bone grafting, and implant dentistry are all surgical options to help reverse the symptoms of Periodontitis. Medication may also be prescribed that can keep bad bacteria at bay.