Gum disease often does not display dramatic symptoms until it progresses into a serious infection. You may notice slight discomfort and mild to moderate bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth, but little else to indicate a problem.
Ignoring early symptoms can lead to a host of complex conditions that put your smile and image at risk.
Bad Breath – Since gum disease is an active infection in your gum tissue, the bacteria that cause gum disease cause chronic bad breath, or halitosis, that cannot be solved by rinses, gums, or mints.
Bone Loss – Gum disease may lead to bone loss as the infection progresses. This bone loss destabilizes teeth, leading to tooth loss, and has a negative impact on your appearance due to the development of a sunken aged look.
Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss if left untreated. Unfortunately, losing a natural tooth can have its own dental consequences.
- Misaligned bite
- Bone loss
- A noticeable gap between teeth
- Difficulty chewing and speaking
Encinitas dentist, Dr. Scott Jordan, DDS, provides personalized periodontal treatment plans to manage periodontal disease and improve your overall health.
Early Gum Disease Treatment
In its earliest stages, called gingivitis, gum disease is reversible with a thorough dental cleaning and improved home care. It takes the dedication of the patient to follow through on recommended care both at home and in the dental office.
- Brushing and flossing teeth
- Regular dental exams and cleanings
- Eating a healthy diet
- Drinking plenty of water
As we begin periodontal treatment, we may recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every 3-4 months to control the infection.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, will require a specialized dental cleaning to remove tartar and bacteria from between teeth and beneath the gumline. We offer gentle and comfortable treatment for even the most advanced cases of gum disease, applying anesthetic and offer sedation, when necessary.
Once your deep cleaning is complete, we will recommend a recall schedule to control gum disease, improve breath, and to keep your smile healthy.