Facts About Dealing with Gum Disease

Some people never think about, while others may fear that they might get it. Some people have it and don’t know it, others known it, but ignore it, and still others are actively taking steps to control it. Dealing with gum disease means something different to everyone, but as one of the most chronic oral health conditions today, most people will have to deal with it eventually. At our Encinitas/San Diego periodontal office, we offer precise diagnoses and customizable treatment options to help you successfully pinpoint and deal with your gum disease so you can once again enjoy a healthy, vibrant smile.

A guide to prevent it

If you never think about gum disease, then start – especially when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth. Gum disease results from oral bacteria overwhelming your gums, and preventing it requires carefully (and consistently) cleaning the plaque and food particles off of your gum line. Pay attention to this area every time you brush and floss, and take care to clean it gently to avoid damaging your gum tissues. Also, attend regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) appointments to remove the plaque you might miss and any spots that have calcified into tartar.

A small window to reverse it

Regular preventive appointments are about more than cleaning your teeth and gums; they’re also about inspecting your oral health to determine if any issues require attention. For example, when gum disease first develops, it’s known as gingivitis. The relatively minor infection in your gums can create signs such as redness and slight swelling in your gums, or an increase in the depth of pockets between your gums and teeth. If you notice these signs and treat them early enough, you may have a small window of time to reverse gingivitis completely. However, that window closes swiftly, and even when it’s still in a minor phase, gum disease can become a lifelong concern.

A lifetime of managing it

Left unchecked, the presence of gum disease can lead to serious consequences for your oral health. The disease can ravish the periodontal ligaments and tissues that support your teeth, as well as the jawbone structure underneath, causing you to lose one or more teeth. However, treating and managing gum disease is possible with the help of your periodontal specialist. Through expert, personalized treatment, you can stop gum disease from progressing and keep it at bay for life, protecting the rest of your healthy, natural teeth and oral structures.

Learn how to deal with gum disease

Dealing with gum disease means consciously preventing it, or treating and managing it as soon as possible. For more information about how to protect your smile from gum disease, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.