How often have you been told to brush and floss your teeth every day? For some people, this reminder comes from our dentist, and that is because Dr. James Powell and our team understand just how these simple habits can make a big difference in your oral health. A lack of good oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and around the gum line, and it can ultimately lead to gingivitis or gum disease. Any form of gum disease is harmful to your oral and overall health, and we at Exceptional Dentistry are here to help you prevent gum disease. Should it develop, however, our dentist can treat it with periodontics in Palmdale, California. Do not let gingivitis gum up your life; call us today at (661) 349-7725 to schedule your visit, and let us take care of your smile!
Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease and other issues that affect the mouth’s soft tissue. Periodontics also focuses on performing dental implant procedures. Doctors who practice periodontics receive specialized training to perform proper periodontal treatments.
Your gums play a vital role in both your oral and overall health, and if they become damaged, it is important to receive treatment as early as possible. The leading cause of damage to oral soft tissue is gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection in the gums that is caused by a buildup of the harmful bacteria in plaque. When we do not floss, we do not clean a large portion of our teeth, particularly in the spaces between teeth and around the gum line. This allows plaque to build up on the teeth, and the bacteria can begin to irritate the gum tissue. This initial irritation is known as gingivitis.
If gum disease is left untreated, plaque will continue to build up and bacteria will continue to grow until you develop what is called periodontitis. In this stage, the gum tissue will begin to recede, and it could lead to bone or tooth loss. In order to catch gum disease early on, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, which include:
- Irritated and inflamed gums
- Constant bad breath
- Swollen and red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Pain while chewing
- Receding gum line
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Depending on the severity of your condition, our dentist can offer a wide range of periodontal treatments. These can include deep cleanings to remove pockets of harmful bacteria, pocket-reduction surgery to remove bacteria and clean the bone and tooth roots, and tissue or bone grafts to replace tissue or bone that has been damaged or lost. If you have gum disease, our dentist will evaluate your condition to help you know which treatment is best for you.
If you have any questions about periodontics and how to prevent your smile from being affected by gum disease, we invite you to contact our practice today.
