Gum Disease: Recognizing It and Treating It

Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and can ultimately result in tooth loss due to destruction of tissue surrounding your teeth. Without routine dental exams, you won't know you have gum disease until it reaches advanced stages. In fact, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, surveys report 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.

Seeking professional treatment is the only way to cure gum disease. Signs you may be affected by gum disease include one or more of the following:

• X-rays reveal bone loss.
• You've experienced extended periods of inflamed gums.
• A probe check reveals gum pockets deeper than 4 millimeters.

What You Can Do to Restore Oral Health

The goal of gum disease treatment is to promote the reattachment of healthy gums to your teeth, prevent infection, decrease swelling and the depth of pockets, and to prevent disease progression. Treatments are dependent on the disease stage and your overall health. Upon discovery of gum disease, the best action to take is to talk to your dentist about deep cleanings and schedule an appointment based on his/her recommendations.

Deep Cleaning and Gum Disease

Signs of gum diseased mentioned earlier are acknowledged by the American Academy of Periodontology, as they recommend dentists offer deep cleanings upon discovery of these signs of gum disease.

Deep cleaning is also referred to as scaling and root planning. This is a non-surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, plaque and tartar above and below your gum line are scraped away, followed by the smoothing of rough spots on the root of the tooth. Upon smoothing of these rough spots, bacteria are removed to provide your gums with a clean surface to reattach to your teeth.

Maintaining Oral Health Following Deep Cleaning

After a deep cleaning, there are many ways to maintain your oral health at home in between regular dental checkups. Incorporating the following measures into your oral care routine can keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

• Brush at least twice a day for two to three minutes with fluoridated toothpaste, including along your gum line.
• Floss every day to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach.
• Using a mouth rinse after brushing and flossing can reduce plaque up to 20 percent.
• Maintain a healthy diet that includes necessary nutrients such as vitamins A and C. Avoid sugary and starchy foods as they can increase plaque.
• Avoid the use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco as they contribute to gum disease.

Gum disease is a dental condition that can affect people of all age groups. If left untreated, it can become a very serious issue. Take a proactive approach towards your oral health to stop the progression of gum disease. Attend regular dental checkups and when your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, it's a good idea to take them up on it.

If you live in L.A., contact Studio City Dental Center today for to schedule a cleaning. Visithttp://studiocitydentalcenter.com

About the Company:

Dr. Kouyoumdjian received his Doctoral of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California where he focused on esthetic dentistry. He has received several professional awards and regularly attends training sessions to stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic dentistry. Several other services are also available, including teeth whitening and general dentistry. The whole staff at Studio City Dental Center strives to make patients comfortable and have a pleasant experience.