Taking good care of your dental health can help prevent problems like gum or periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Bella Vista Smiles strives to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A visit to Dr. Rubina Khorana and her team in Lincoln, California, allows us to take steps like periodontal treatment to prevent problems from worsening.
So please schedule an appointment to see us, and let’s begin your journey toward optimal dental health. We’ll ensure you have a great experience, whether it’s a regular checkup or a procedure such as a filling or crown. We prioritize patient comfort and safety so you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands. We strive to create positive relationships with our patients by providing personalized care that gives them the best experience possible.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and soft tissues of your mouth. The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they destroy the gums and bone.
Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can occur without symptoms in its early stages, so it’s important to schedule regular dental exams to ensure you’re staying on top of your oral care. At your appointment, we’ll take a comprehensive look at your gums and measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to determine if treatment is needed.
We may recommend x-rays or other tests to diagnose periodontal disease and discuss potential treatment options such as scaling and root planing that clean away bacteria from under the gum line. When caught early, we can stop periodontal disease in its tracks with proper care and maintenance.
Periodontal Treatment for More Than Just Dental Health
Not only is gum disease the number one reason for tooth loss, but research also suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease can affect these systemic diseases and conditions.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Stopping smoking can also reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
What Are the Symptoms?
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are unaware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include the following:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Periodontal Treatment in Lincoln
Periodontal disease can be a difficult diagnosis to discuss, but we’re here to help with whatever you need. If you or someone you care about has any questions or concerns related to periodontal disease or teeth health in general, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you think you might already have periodontal disease or other serious oral issues, don’t wait for your next appointment – call us right away for a consultation.
