Gum Disease

Bring An End To Gingivitis In Orange, CA

Gum Disease, Orange, California

You've been brushing and flossing as you normally (or not-quite-so-normally) do, but something seems off this time. You feel a constant pain in your gums, they're inflamed, and they bleed easily. What could this be? You may be dealing with a gum disease called gingivitis, the earliest form of periodontal disease. The worse it gets, the more it will erode your gumline... and then it will go for your jawbone! What to do, what to do?

The good news is that we've handled this before -- many, many times. And we're prepared to handle it again. Our extraordinary staff is equipped with the tools and knowledge to take care of your gum disease before it gets the better of you! 75% of Americans will get gum disease at some point in their lives, proving that this is a common nuisance. If you're dealing with this problem, don't despair. Give us a call at (657) 888-9011 today and we'll get it all straightened out.

Gum Disease Stages

The progression of this deadly nuisance

First things first

First, it all starts with plaque, the sticky film-like substance that grows on your teeth when you don't brush and floss. Excessive buildup of plaque attracts bacteria that produces inflammatory toxins that do damage to the gums. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which can be indicated by painful swollen gums, puffy gums, or gums that bleed when you brush or floss. What's good about catching gum disease this early is that it's still completely reversible. The teeth are still rooted firmly in their sockets and can stay that way with proper care.

Periodontitis

If things aren't corrected, however, the situation descends into periodontitis, a worse form of gingivitis. At this stage, the gums begin to separate from the tooth and form a pocket which traps food and plaque, which in turn leads to even worse infection. The gum pain may worsen as well. While the advancement of the periodontitis itself can be dealt with, the damage inflicted on the bone and tissue can't be reversed. If left unchecked, a root canal may be in order.

Advanced Periodontitis

If the situation is allowed to progress even further still, then we've entered the stage of advanced periodontitis. Now the bone and ligaments associated with the teeth are so damaged that they can stop functioning the way they're supposed to. The jawbone is not equipped to deal with the bacteria that comes from periodontitis. With deterioration of the jawbone comes changes in facial appearance that are usually not desirable. Yes, that's how bad things can get. In this advanced stage of periodontitis, there has been so much loss around the teeth that the teeth become loose and possibly even fall out. The simple process of eating may become painful and difficult, as well. At this point, surgically adding gum and bone around the teeth is necessary, followed by regular maintenance appointments.

Gum Disease Symptoms

What to watch out for when taking care of your teeth

The tricky thing about gum disease is that, even in its later stages, the telltale signs may not always be so obvious. That's why it's important to pay close attention to your teeth and gums, and keep an eye out for any subtle warnings before this dental emergency gets worse. Here are a few signs of gum disease: If your gums bleed during or after brushing and flossing, that's a sign that you're not brushing and flossing enough. You may want to consult with us about your next steps in oral care if this is happening to you. If you have red, swollen, or tender gums, or if you notice that your gums are receding, you may be experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease. If deep pockets are forming between your teeth and gums,

this is a not-so-subtle sign that you're neglecting your oral care! Give us a call immediately before the situation gets out of control. If your teeth are loose or shifting, this is another urgent sign that you need dental assistance. If you wear partial dentures and notice a change in the way they fit -- or if you don't wear dentures and notice a change in your bite -- then this may be a sign of shifting teeth due to gum disease. Ultimately, only your dentist can determine the progression of periodontal disease. Make sure you brush and floss regularly, and go in for routine checkups every six months. If you experience any of the above symptoms in the meantime, don't hesitate to give us a call at (657) 888-9011!

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The Greatest Treatment Imaginable

Experience only the finest in gum disease treatment

If you're dealing with gum disease -- in any stage of its development -- give us a call. Our team of highly trained, top-caliber professionals know exactly how to wrestle your problems to the ground, then make them vanish forever. Gum disease is nothing to be fearful of; in fact, it is gum disease that should be afraid of us! Our top-quality offices are so accommodating, you may not want to leave... but when you do, it will be with a smile on your face, and the satisfaction of knowing that your gum disease has been toppled by the best in the business. We can be reached at (657) 888-9011, and we eagerly await your call.

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How do you treat gum disease?

If you're fighting gum disease, give us a call right away, and we'll help you win the battle. In the meantime, it is best to discipline yourself and have a daily routine that consists of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash several times a day.
How long does it take to reverse gingivitis?

The amount of time it takes to reverse gingivitis varies greatly depending on your specific situation. However, most studies show that with proper gingivitis treatment, it can be reversed within a matter of weeks.
Can I treat gum disease from home?

For best results, you'll want to visit our offices so we can handle your gum disease on-site. However, there are some things you can do at home. Brushing and flossing is a must. You may also want to use an electric toothbrush to improve the quality of your brushing, as well as antibacterial mouthwash to cleanse your mouth thoroughly.
Can lifestyle changes influence the fight against gum disease?

There are a number of things you can do in your life to resist gum disease. If you're a smoker, quitting smoking is a great move -- not only to fight the development of periodontitis, but for other obvious health reasons as well! Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidant properties like vitamins C and E can help you repair damaged tissue as well.
Is gum disease related to other health problems?

For those with weakened immune systems, gum disease can contribute to other health conditions. When left unchecked, bacteria spreads from the mouth into the bloodstream and is sometimes associated with strokes and heart disease. The bacteria can also worsen conditions like diabetes.
What contributes to gum disease?

Plaque is the number one factor that contributes to gum disease, but there are others. Hormonal changes, illnesses that affect the immune system, interfering medications, and of course, poor oral hygiene can all contribute to gum disease.
Is gingivitis the same thing as gum disease?

Gingivitis comes before gum disease. It involves inflammation of the gums and serves as a warning sign for the damage to come if the gums are not properly treated. At this stage, the damage is still reversible.
What causes tartar?

If plaque stays on the teeth for too long, it can harden into a calcified deposit called tartar. Brushing and flossing won't get rid of tartar, only a professional dental cleaning will. It is best to eliminate plaque before it hardens into tartar!
Does salt water fight against gingivitis?

Salt water is a natural disinfectant, and rinsing the mouth with saltwater can actually help fight against inflammation of the gums.