Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a surprisingly common oral health issue that affects millions of Americans — yet many remain unaware of its prevalence and its potentially dire consequences.
According to recent studies, around 40% of adults over the age of 30 in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. Even more alarming is the fact that this percentage increases to 60% among individuals aged 65 and older. These statistics show us the importance of understanding how periodontal disease develops and how important it is to address this dental condition as soon as possible.
Periodontal disease is a serious ailment that can lead to significant discomfort, including tooth pain, and may ultimately result in tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is periodontal disease is both preventable and treatable with proper care and timely treatments.
Read on to learn how periodontitis develops and how preventive dentistry from the leading dentist for gum disease in Half Moon Bay can help.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease affecting the gum tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. It begins with the inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, and progresses to affect the deeper structures of the mouth.
In the moderately severe stages of periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that become infected. As the disease continues to advance, it leads to the destruction of gum tissue and bone — potentially causing teeth to become loose and eventual tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by poor dental hygiene, which allows bacteria to accumulate and form plaque along the gumline. Other risk factors include:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products like chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes or health conditions that affect your hormones
- Taking certain medications, including some antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
- Having a genetic predisposition to gum disease
The best way to prevent gum disease in the first place is to improve your dental hygiene practices — such as:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily with good-quality dental floss
- Attend all your scheduled dental visits
- Get all dental treatments your dentist may recommend based on your oral health
Periodontitis is a serious condition that requires professional treatment to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Recognizing the symptoms of gum disease is important for early detection and treatment — some common signs that may indicate gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitive teeth, particularly to hot or cold temperatures
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
It's important to note that gum disease can progress without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular dental check-ups are essential, as dentists can detect early signs of gum disease before they become more severe.
Best Treatment Options for Gum Disease
Treatment options for gum disease depend on how severe the condition is for you. Typically, treatment involves a combination of professional dental care and improved at-home oral hygiene practices.
For early-stage gum disease, non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing are often effective. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line to promote healing.
In more advanced cases, surgical interventions may be necessary — including flap surgery to reduce pocket depth, bone and tissue grafts to regenerate lost structures, or guided tissue regeneration to stimulate new bone growth. Antibiotic treatments may be prescribed to control bacterial infection of the gums.
Regardless of the treatment approach, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings, is vital for preventing the recurrence of gum disease and promoting long-term oral health.
What to Expect During Gum Disease Treatment
Our patients often ask, “Is periodontal treatment painful?” The answer is — usually no. Some caveats are that there can be minimal discomfort during professional teeth cleaning if you have moderate to severe gum disease. However, dental professionals should prioritize patient comfort throughout the process. Most non-surgical procedures, such as scaling and root planing, are performed with local anesthesia to ensure that patients experience little to no pain during the treatment. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days following the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Patients can usually expect a multi-step process tailored to their condition when undergoing gum disease treatment. Initially, a thorough examination and assessment will be conducted, often including dental X-rays to determine the extent of the disease. Patients with gum disease should be prepared for multiple appointments, which may be necessary to treat all affected areas.
Patients should anticipate a more invasive process in surgical intervention cases, potentially including pre-operative preparations. Surgery for gum disease is rare and usually only necessary in the most severe cases, like tooth extraction or grafting. These surgical procedures will be done under local or general anesthesia; a recovery period will usually be necessary.
Where to Find the Best Dentist for Periodontal Treatment in Half Moon Bay, CA
Our modern dental practice specializes in treating all stages of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. With state-of-the-art technology and gentle techniques, our experienced team of gum disease experts takes a comprehensive approach that combines preventative care, minimally invasive treatments, and advanced periodontal procedures to address your unique oral health needs.
We understand that gum health is crucial to both your oral health and your physical health — so our goal is not only to treat existing gum disease but also to educate our patients on proper oral hygiene practices to prevent future issues, including prescription mouth rinses, better techniques to brush your teeth, and other strategies to clean your teeth.
Ready to protect your oral health with comprehensive treatment for gum disease from the number one dentist in Half Moon Bay?
