Gum Disease Terms to Know from Your Encinitas Periodontist

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease, or periodontal disease. One of the first signs of gingival infection that you may notice is bleeding during brushing. Contrary to popular belief, consistent gum bleeding when you brush your teeth is not normal. Other symptoms of gingivitis include inflamed or sensitive gum tissue, deep red or purple coloration of your gums, and foul breath.

Preventing Disease

A preventive dentistry measure, prophylaxis is a dental cleaning to help you avoid gum disease.  This term refers to therapy for a healthy person.  Supportive  Periodontal Therapy (SPT) is provided to patients that have a history of periodontal attachment loss.  Both thorough dental cleanings from our Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Kania, includes meticulously removing dental plaque. Since colonies of plaque collecting along your gum line are a main contributor to gum disease, disrupting this bacteria is imperative for preventing periodontal disease progression.

Periodontal Pockets

Ground zero for gum disease, periodontal pockets are a cesspool for the bacteria that perpetuates gingival infection. The pockets form in later stages of gum disease as the infection damages connective tissues between the teeth and gums. As the gum tissue separates from the teeth, periodontal pockets deepen, causing teeth to become loose and possibly fall out or require extraction.

Periodontitis

If gum disease goes untreated, the infection can lead to a more severe form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammatory infection.  In this stage of gum disease, periodontal pockets deepen and the infections spreads further throughout your teeth’s supportive tissues. With damaged connective tissues and bone support, your teeth are susceptible to falling out. In addition, periodontitis can lead to irreversibly damaged jawbone and increase your risk of other health issues. For instance, periodontal disease has been connected to complications with diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, to name a few.

Periodontal Care in Encinitas

For more information about gum disease and periodontal care (laser, conventional, regeneration and resection), contact our Encinitas periodontal office. You can schedule a consultation with our Encinitas laser periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, by calling 760-642-0711. We serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.