Periodontal Disease

Maintaining healthy gums and supporting oral health to prevent periodontal disease are important. Thai Dang, DDS, is a general and cosmetic dentist providing years of expertise and aiding in the health and maintenance of your gums. At his practice, Sun City Dentistry, located in Sun City, California, Dr. Dang offers exceptional care for preventing and treating periodontal disease. To schedule an appointment, call the office or reach out online. 

What is periodontal disease?

Almost half of the adult population suffers from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a severe infection of the gum tissue. In its early stages, it’s known as gingivitis. When left to its own devices, gingivitis develops into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of poor oral health. 

Periodontal disease leads to receding gums that become inflamed and bleed easily. Additionally, this condition may result in bone loss, and teeth become prone to falling out.

How do you know if you have periodontal disease?

It’s possible to possess periodontal disease and be unaware, as minimal symptoms sometimes accompany the condition. Common signs to look out for include:

• Swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Sensitive gums
• Constant bad breath
• Losing a tooth unexpectedly
• Receding gums
• Noticeable difference in bite
• Painful when chewing

It’s easy to miss one of several symptoms when looking for periodontal disease. While pain when chewing is a possibility, one may experience little to no symptoms, making detection difficult.

What causes periodontal disease?

Poor oral health is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Maintaining a proper daily regimen to remove unwanted bacteria and plaque buildup inside the mouth is important. Additionally, several other factors can lead to periodontal disease, such as:

• Poor diet
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain conditions like diabetes
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

What are treatments for periodontal disease?

Prevention is the best medicine when considering periodontal disease. Brushing teeth and flossing regularly maintain strong oral health. Additionally, frequent checkups with the dental office ensure an education professional offers regular insight and care. 

In the circumstance periodontal disease develops, there are several treatments the dentist may perform. Removing sources of infection is the top priority. Cleaning the teeth, gums, and roots of the teeth prevents additional damage from occurring.

In some cases, the dentist may prescribe medications to aid in the bacterial removal process. Corrective surgery is the best plan of treatment when periodontal disease becomes severe. Common surgeries include pocket reductions and soft tissue grafts.

Learn more about how to prevent periodontal disease and call the Sun City, California office or schedule an appointment online.