5 Commonly Asked Questions about Gum Disease

Your gums are the foundation of your oral health. So, if you have periodontal disease, you should take action promptly. If left untreated, gum disease causes tooth loss and triggers systemic conditions.

Do you suspect gum disease? Get control of your periodontal health at Brighton Dental. Dr. Paige Woods and her team use a conservative approach in San Diego, California, to ensure you maintain healthy gums.

Must-know facts about gum disease

Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss? Yes, that mild gum infection can quickly progress and attack your teeth-supporting structures, causing tooth loss. Since gum disease has far-reaching effects, here’s what you need to know about this common oral condition.

1. Plaque is the primary cause: Hormonal imbalances and underlying health conditions can cause periodontal disease, but plaque is the leading cause. Dental plaque (oral biofilm)—a mixture of saliva, food debris, and harmful bacteria— forms when you fail to brush and floss your teeth diligently. Plaque quickly multiplies and the bacteria within it irritate your gums, causing gingivitis. Brushing and flossing reduce plaque buildup, but our routine dental cleanings and ozone therapy ensure your smile is entirely plaque-free.
2. It’s linked to systemic illnesses: Gum disease isn’t just localized to your mouth—it can affect your overall health. Research has linked untreated gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even dementia. Periodontal disease also increases the risk of pre-term and low birth weight.
3. It’s more common than you think: According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults have signs of gum disease! Unfortunately, many individuals don’t seek dental care until the condition is more advanced. Delaying dental care is never good news for your oral health. At its earliest stage, gum disease causes tenderness, redness, and swelling. The gums may also easily bleed when flossing and brushing teeth. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causes gum recession, chronic bad breath, and tooth loss.
4. Dental care doesn’t have to be invasive: Dr. Woods uses a conservative approach to treat gum disease. Gingivitis is often reversible with good oral hygiene, standard cleanings, and ozone therapy. Moderate to mild gum disease is manageable with deep teeth cleaning. This non-surgical approach combines scaling and root planing (SRP) to manage infection and promote healing. Advanced gum disease may need gum flap surgery to reach the infection in the deep periodontal pockets. However, our office uses laser therapy as a minimally invasive alternative. Instead of scalpels and sutures, laser periodontal care uses light technology to target diseased tissues and promote tissue regeneration.
5. Prevention is key: Like all dental issues, preventing gum disease is the most effective way to keep your gums healthy. Preventing gum disease starts with establishing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily to prevent plaque accumulation. In addition to the home care routine, regular dental visits are crucial. We inspect your gums for early signs of infection and professionally clean your teeth to remove built-up plaque from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

Take control of your periodontal health!

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with gum disease or are taking steps to prevent it, you can trust Brighton Dental for expert periodontal care. Call (619) 831-8559 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Woods.

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