Gum disease in marin county california often develops gradually and is painless in the early stages, which is why it is important to have your teeth and gums looked at by a professional at least every six months. During these appointments, your dentist or periodontist can perform a deep cleaning and evaluate your overall oral health. As part of this evaluation, they will measure the pockets of your gums. Healthy pockets should be approximately 3mm in depth or less. If pocket depth is 4mm or greater, this is an indication that you have gum disease.
It is also important to be aware of common signs of gum disease so you can address the issue before it becomes worse. If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment for an evaluation as soon as possible:
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Receded gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Loose teeth
- Change in your occlusion or fit of partial dentures
- Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
- Dull or sharp pain when chewing
- Visible pus around the gums and teeth
- Chronic halitosis and/or bad taste in mouth
Common Signs of Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Advanced Periodontitis
Gum disease is a progressive condition, which is why it is important to diagnose and treat the issue as soon as possible. During the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), gum disease typically presents as gums that are mildly irritated, red, or swollen and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. At this stage, gum disease can typically be treated with a deep cleaning along with making small modifications to your oral health routine.
If gum disease is not treated during this early stage, plaque remaining on the teeth will mineralize and turn into calculus. Once gum disease progresses to this stage (periodontitis or advanced periodontitis), symptoms will increase in severity, and may result in significantly receded gums, loosened teeth, or teeth that fall out. If gum disease reaches this level, treatment options may include a scaling and root planing procedure, in addition to more frequent checkups and cleanings. In more severe cases, advanced treatment may be necessary, such as dental bone grafts, tooth extractions, and/or dental implants.
Preventing Gum Disease in the Future
The two best things you can do to prevent gum disease from developing in the future are to schedule regular oral checkups at least every six months and to follow a proper and consistent oral health care routine at home. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, limiting or avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugars or starch, and if necessary, making adjustments to your oral health routine to provide additional support against gum disease, such as using a soft bristle tooth brush or a fluoride toothpaste. If you follow these self-care practices consistently and continue scheduling regular examinations at least every six months, you will significantly improve your chances of reversing and preventing gum disease.
More on Gum Disease : What is Gum Disease?
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.