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Gum disease is a serious oral health issue, and about half of all adults in America have some form of gum disease. Without treatment, it can cause permanent tooth loss and a variety of other oral health complications. So don’t wait. Get the periodontal care you need from Dr. Hang Pham by scheduling an oral exam and consultation in Fullerton at All Day Smile.
Periodontitis, also called “gum disease” or “periodontal disease” is an infection of your gums caused by oral bacteria. This condition occurs when poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, and other risk factors like smoking combine to cause an uncontrolled growth of oral bacteria between the teeth and gums.
Over time, the bacteria begin to attack your gums. In the initial stage of gum disease, this only causes minor inflammation. But if it’s left untreated, the infection will progress and cause permanent, irreversible damage to your gums and the support structure of your teeth.
It can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and by quitting smoking and taking other steps to reduce the risk of gum disease.
The most common signs of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gums disease, include gum inflammation, reddish gums, and bleeding when brushing and flossing, as well as halitosis (bad breath). If you notice these issues, you may have gum disease.
As periodontitis worsens, so do its symptoms. You may notice gum recession, which makes your teeth look longer, as well as pain and sensitivity when chewing, a change in how your teeth fit together, and a foul taste in your mouth. Serious cases of “advanced periodontitis” may even cause pus to form between the teeth and gums, and result in the loosening of multiple teeth, or even teeth falling out.
Because periodontal disease can be reversed or controlled to prevent further damage to your mouth, but not forever. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that permanent damage may be done to your teeth and gums, resulting in permanent and irreversible tooth loss.
Getting periodontal care right away will save you time and money, restore your oral health, and allow you to avoid painful oral health complications that could cost thousands of dollars to treat. So don’t wait. If you think you have gum disease, contact the team at All Day Smile right away to get the help you need from Dr. Hang Pham.
Usually, the treatment process for periodontitis begins with a “deep cleaning” also called “scaling and root planing.” In this procedure, Dr. Pham will clean between your teeth and gums to remove tartar and plaque, and will smooth the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria from forming periodontal “pockets” beneath your teeth.
Along with antibiotics and proper at-home oral care, this is often enough to resolve minor-to-moderate cases of gum disease. However, more serious cases may require surgical intervention such as gum grafting or gum flap surgery. Dr. Hang Pham will discuss your options in further detail after your appointment at All Day Smile.