San Diego Periodontist Explains How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental health problem that affects approximately 70% of adults under the age of 60. Usually, gum disease can be controlled with advanced periodontal treatment to prevent extensive dental damage. However, in its most severe form (periodontitis), gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and studies suggest it can significantly increase the risk of certain systemic health issues like heart disease. To protect your oral and overall wellbeing, your San Diego periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, explains how to prevent gum disease, or treat it early enough to avoid irreversible damage.

The Power of Good Dental Hygiene

The importance of daily dental hygiene can never be stressed enough. Over 600 different kinds of bacteria inhabit a healthy oral cavity, and form sticky dental plaque to protect themselves from the mouth’s natural defenses (like saliva). Some germs, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis, target soft periodontal tissue, damaging the tissue that connects it to teeth and causing inflammation, redness, and occasional bleeding. Brushing and flossing help control bacteria and plaque to reduce the risk of infection, and it’s the first line of defense against destructive gum disease.

Before It’s Too Late

When allowed to progress, gum disease can infect the jawbone underneath gum tissue, and when left unchecked, the infection can make it impossible for the jawbone to retain all of your teeth. Though early signs of gum disease include swollen and bleeding gums, they don’t typically include discomfort, which causes many patients to disregard the warning signs as unimportant. If your gums appear inflamed, or if they bleed when you brush and floss, then visit Dr. Kania as soon as possible for a periodontal evaluation and treatment before the infection can claim one or more teeth.

Learn More from Your San Diego Periodontist

As a periodontist, Dr. Kania specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and other periodontal issues to maintain the integrity of our patients’ smiles. To learn more about preventing and controlling gum disease, seek Dr. Kania’s expertise today by calling our San Diego periodontist’s office at (760) 642-0711. Located in the 92024 area, we proudly serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.