Periodontal Health in Monterey
Periodontal health is often overshadowed by dental care, but both are vital to maintaining proper oral health. The gum tissue is foundational to strong teeth, and when gum disease is present, tooth loss and health hazards can affect your well-being. Gingivitis Can Be Reversed with Proper Oral Health Care
When the accumulation of bacteria forms into a substance called plaque, it sticks to your teeth and triggers the body’s immune system. Early warning signs of periodontal disease that need to be taken seriously include bleeding, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the gum tissue.
The earliest form of gum disease is called gingivitis, and fortunately this condition can be reversed and eliminated with a renewed commitment to daily oral hygiene regimens and professional cleanings from your dentist’s office. It should only take a couple of weeks for gums to heal after oral hygiene is restored.
Periodontitis Can Cause Tooth Loss if Left Untreated
If your oral health continues to be neglected, it can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Plaque can calcify into a substance called tartar, which stubbornly sticks to teeth and harbors harmful bacteria. Your tooth brush will glide right over tartar, making it impossible to clean teeth properly.
When bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate on teeth, they can cause gums to recede and deep pockets to form. Teeth can become loose and eventually fall out without professional dental care. At this stage, your dentist will recommend a procedure called tooth scaling and root planing which removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from teeth and their roots, and smooths the surface of the roots so the gums can reattach and secure the tooth.
With advanced periodontitis, the dentist may need to include laser treatments to disinfect the gums, or surgery to access deep areas of infection. Topical and oral antibiotics may be necessary, and even gingival grafts to replace damaged gum tissue.
Maintain Oral Health at the office of Lindley Morse Zerbe, DDS
It is important to maintain oral health with diligent brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental visits for professional evaluations and cleanings. Dr. Zerbe and Dr. Richey in Monterey provide outstanding preventive and periodontal care to keep your smile radiating health and beauty.