What is Periodontal Disease?

Did you know that one out of two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has been diagnosed with periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic condition in which the buildup of bacterial plaque negatively affects the teeth, gums, and eventually the jawbone. This disease not only affects the mouth, but can lead to more severe issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even a stroke.

When gum tissue is infected, your gums will become red and inflamed, and possibly begin to bleed. At first the body will try to fight the disease on its own, but if it goes untreated, the infection will affect the jawbone tissue as well, eventually leading to tooth loss. There are many factors that contribute to gum disease development, such as your age, genetics, tobacco use, stress, bruxism (teeth grinding), poor diet, weakened immune system, and poor oral hygiene.

Do you think you have periodontal disease? Call our Rancho Bernardo, CA, office today at (858) 485-6781 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chan. He will do a thorough exam and review of your medical history to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Outlined below are some of the more common symptoms to be aware of. If you think you are struggling from the effects of periodontal disease, schedule an appointment immediately.

• Red, sensitive, inflamed, and infected gums
• Significant gum recession
• Bleeding gums, especially when you brush and floss
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth and/or tooth loss
• Bad taste in your mouth

How to Prevent and Treat Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent periodontal disease from occurring is to see your dentist every six months for a checkup, brush twice a day with a fluoride-rich toothpaste, floss daily, and rinse with an antibacterial mouth wash.

The best way to non-surgically treat periodontal disease is with a deep cleaning, which entails both scaling and root planing. At Classic Dental Smiles, we are passionate about the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. We are proud to provide our patients treatment with highly trained and equipped hygienists who use ultrasonic equipment and antibiotic therapy to treat all stages of gum disease.

In cases where periodontal disease has lead to tooth damage loss, we can also provide you with a restoration. We offer a wide variety of restorations, such as crowns to repair a tooth, or dental implants, bridges,and dentures to replace missing teeth.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

During your appointment, Dr. Chan will first numb your gums with an anesthetic. Once you are comfortable, your hygienist will use our state-of-the-art ultrasonic cleaner to scale teeth. The device uses sonic vibrations to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from above and below the gum line.

To decrease the opportunity for bacteria to build up on teeth roots, we administer root planing. This involves carefully smoothing the rough spots on the root surface of the tooth.

After treatment you may experience some swelling and sensitivity. We recommend avoiding food and beverages that are spicy and overly hot or cold. When needed, over-the-counter pain medications can be taken to reduce any additional pain and discomfort.

Why Periodontal Cleaning is Important

If periodontal disease goes untreated, your oral health will continue to decline, leading to tooth loss, gum recession, and jawbone degeneration that will change the natural contour of your face. It is even possible to have a stroke, heart attack, and possibly lose your life because of bad bacteria that starts in your mouth. It’s important to take the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease very seriously.

By seeing Dr. Chan regularly, you’ll allow him to help improve your oral health, physical health, and quality of life. Our team will do everything we can to remove the infection and return your teeth, bone, and gums back to a healthy status.

Contact Us Today

If you identify with any of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, call our Rancho Bernardo, CA, office today at (858) 485-6781 to schedule your consultation.