Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is a common oral health concern. The CDC estimates that almost 50% of adults aged 30 and over in the United States experience some form of this condition. If not addressed, periodontal disease can have severe consequences, such as tooth loss and damage to the underlying structure of the jaw bone.
The progressive nature of gum disease means that early intervention is essential to prevent these devastating outcomes. Fortunately, periodontal disease is both treatable and preventable with better oral hygiene and professional dental treatments.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of periodontal disease and where to find the best dentist in Los Gatos for deep teeth cleaning and gum disease prevention.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the gums that begins with plaque build-up on teeth. If not removed regularly, plaque hardens into tartar and causes an inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that harbor additional bacteria. As the disease progresses, it can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Is Gum Disease the Same as Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease and periodontal disease are essentially the same condition — though early-stage gum disease is commonly referred to as gingivitis. While gingivitis symptoms can progress to more serious issues if left untreated, gum disease is a broader term encompassing all stages — from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
Periodontal disease is often used to refer specifically to the more advanced stages of gum disease, where the infection has progressed beyond the gums to affect the deeper supporting structures of the teeth, including the alveolar bone. Despite this nuanced difference, both terms describe the same overall condition of infection and inflammation in the mouth.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
While some symptoms may be subtle, others can be quite noticeable. Here are the common signs of gum disease to watch out for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums that make the teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitive teeth, particularly to hot or cold temperatures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Visible accumulation of plaque or tartar on teeth
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, making regular dental check-ups important for early detection and treatment.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, usually every six months, are also important for removing tartar buildup and catching early signs of gum disease.
Common Gum Disease Treatments
Regular professional dental cleanings, combined with proper oral hygiene, typically suffice for early-stage gingivitis. For more advanced cases, deeper cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing may be necessary to eliminate bacteria and promote the reattachment of healthy gums.
In cases of severe periodontitis, restorative procedures may be required, such as flap surgery to decrease pocket depth or bone and gum tissue grafts to regenerate lost gum or bone tissue. Additionally, laser dentistry might be utilized to eliminate inflamed gum tissue and tartar deposits. All these treatments aim to manage infection, stop disease progression, and restore healthy gums and supporting structures.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Los Gatos to Prevent Gum Disease
The expert team at Smiles Los Gatos is a leader in modern gum disease prevention and treatment. We embrace the latest advancements in dental care and provide families with state-of-the-art solutions for optimal oral health.
Our team’s philosophy focuses on using innovative techniques and advanced dental technology to achieve the best results. Our patient-centric approach to restorative dentistry includes using the latest gum disease treatment methods along with customized care plans.
Ready to protect your smile from gum disease with expert care from the highest-rated dentist in Los Gatos?