Have you ever been brushing or flossing only to find a spot of red or pink in the sink? This might mean your gums are bleeding. Although it sounds like no big deal, it is likely indicative of a larger problem: gum disease in Tracy. Gum disease is an infection that attacks your gum tissue and the structures that keep your teeth in their place. When it comes to gum disease, early detection and treatment is key. If you think you might have gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States, as well as one of the most common disorders on the planet in general. It’s a bacterial infection in the gums, as well as the structures that keep your teeth anchored in place. It begins with buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and debris from food. Once plaque hardens into tartar, or calculus, it becomes nearly impossible to remove without the help of a dental professional. This is why regular visits with your dentist in Tracy are crucial to preventing gum disease.
Common symptoms of gum disease in Tracy include the following:
The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is usually reversible with increased oral hygiene at home and potentially a round of oral antibiotics. Once gingivitis progresses into full-fledged periodontal disease, gum disease treatment near you gets more difficult. This is because irreversible damage has already been done.
When periodontal disease takes hold, it causes an inflammatory response in the gum tissue. This inflammation may actually spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, such as the heart of brain, and cause problems in those areas. Recent studies have suggested a link between gum disease and issues like cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and even Alzheimer’s. In addition, gum disease can cause severe tooth loss if left untreated. This is why it’s important to take care of your gums, and why you should seek treatment right away if you suspect you have gum disease.
Besides an increasing oral hygiene regimen at home, our gum disease dentists near you can perform a deep cleaning to rid your mouth of gum disease. The first portion, known as scaling, involves Dr. Rattan and Dr. Sandhu using special tools to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, all the way down to the bottom of your tooth root.
The second portion, called root planing, involves smoothing out the rough patches on the roots of your teeth. This helps your gums securely reattach themselves to your teeth. These processes may require a local anesthetic and may take more than one visit. However, it will be worth it to have a clean, healthy smile once more.