Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is important to pay attention to. It’s a progressive disease that can pose serious health risks if left untreated. Luckily, annual checkups and teeth cleanings can catch it early and treat it before it becomes irreversible.
Dr. Chew has years of experience treating periodontal disease in Fremont, CA, and knows exactly what to look for. Learn more about the causes of gum disease here!
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease affects almost half of the United States population. It’s a progressive disease that can pose serious health risks if left untreated. Luckily, annual checkups and teeth cleanings can limit the long term effects.
Dr. Chew has years of experience treating periodontal disease in Fremont, CA, and knows exactly what to look for. Learn more about the causes of gum disease here!
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Some people have genetic disadvantages that put them at a greater risk for periodontal disease. This includes things such as autoimmune deficiencies, certain bone-related diseases, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Despite some people having a higher likelihood of developing gum disease, everyone can take certain steps to reduce their risk. Schedule regular dental exams and practice proper oral care.
Here's how inadequate oral hygiene can lead to gum disease:
Lack of oral hygiene - If you don't properly brush and floss your teeth, a substance called plaque builds up. Plaque is bacteria that forms as a sticky film that coats the teeth. This happens from eating and drinking, and brushing your teeth gets rid of the plaque.
Plaque buildup causes gingivitis - Without proper oral care, plaque builds up on your teeth. At this stage, you could develop an early form of gum disease called gingivitis. While you can't remove all of this plaque buildup with regular brushing, a visit to the dentist will clear it up.
Plaque turns into tartar - Failure to regularly rid teeth of plaque can result in it hardening and turning to tartar. When tartar begins building, periodontal disease is almost inevitable. Tartar is very destructive to teeth and gums. Professional treatment is a must as it’s near impossible to rid the harmful bacteria at home.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
The symptoms of periodontal disease aren’t always obvious. Here is a list of things to look out for so you can get ahead of the irreversible effects.
The presence of any of these symptoms suggests a problem, and should be addressed.
How to Get Rid of Periodontal Disease
The progression of periodontal disease determines the treatment process. There are four stages of periodontal disease that all warrant different treatment methods.
Treatment for Gingivitis - Treatment for stage one, or gingivitis, involves a thorough teeth cleaning at a dentist's office. After the cleaning, it's important to maintain strong oral hygiene habits. This means brushing twice a day and flossing one a day.
Treatment for Moderate Gum Disease - Stage two periodontal disease treatment involves a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing. Additionally, pocket irrigation is performed to clean deep within the gum. During this, plaque and tartar are scraped from the teeth above and below the gum line.
Treatment for Severe Gum Disease - Periodontal treatment for stage three requires scaling and root planing, pocket irrigation, and pocket reduction surgery. Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure cleans deep within the gums. With traditional cleaning methods, this area isn't reachable.
Treatment for Very Severe Gum Disease - Treatment for the most severe stage of periodontitis involves all the steps in treating stage three periodontal disease, with the addition of gum grafting and bone grafting. This is necessary to replace any bone or teeth that deteriorated.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Fremont, CA
Don’t let periodontal disease cause irreversible bone decay. If it’s been more than six months since your last check-up, schedule an appointment today!