Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is a progressive condition that, when left untreated, can cause a variety of irreversible oral health problems such as tooth and bone loss. It has also been linked to multiple systemic health problems such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. At Beverly Hills Dental Health and Wellness, we take periodontal disease seriously and offer customized care plans to help restore your gums back to health.
Stages of gum disease
In its earliest stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, you may not even be aware that you have gum disease because the symptoms are typically minor, such as:
- Bleeding when you brush and floss
- Gums that are red in color rather than pink
- Swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
Gingivitis can be reversed with a rigorous at-home oral hygiene routine and regular professional cleanings. However, if it progresses to the more advanced stage of periodontal disease, called periodontitis, it can begin to cause irreversible damage to your gums and supporting bone. Periodontal pockets develop between the teeth and gums that harbor plaque and bacteria, which eat away at your oral tissues. Treatments such as laser, ozone and air- flow scaling and root treatments are the best way to treat this chronic infection. Salivary testing can determine if an antibiotic may be used to help get the bacterial infection under control.
In advanced periodontal disease, patients may develop loose teeth, receding gums, bone loss, severe bad breath (halitosis), pus oozing from the gums, and other painful symptoms. At this stage, the goal of treatment is to halt disease progression while restoring the function of your teeth, gums, and bone. This may require treatments such as laser gum microsurgery to remove diseased tissue and regenerate, gum grafting to restore healthy tissue in areas where it has been lost and tooth replacement options such as dentures or implants.
Effective solutions for periodontal disease
If you suspect you have periodontal disease, seeking treatment as soon as possible is of utmost importance for your long-term oral health and overall wellness. At Beverly Hills Dental Health and Wellness, Dr. Sanda Moldovan provides periodontal care tailored to your unique oral health needs. To schedule a consultation, call (310) 692-7855 or book your appointment online today.
