Treatment for Gum Disease in Santa Ana

You frequently hear the terms gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontal disease from your dentist and in commercials for oral care products. You may hear them so much that you assume you know how to avoid gum disease, or you may not fully grasp the severity of such conditions. In order to enjoy lifelong oral health, it's important to know how to recognize and treat gum disease before it progresses to a point where your general health is impacted. While we are skilled at treating gum disease in Santa Ana, it is our hope that you will practice excellent oral hygiene at home and maintain regular dental check-ups to avoid the need for more complex treatments.

Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and gum disease aren't all equal. The first two are actually categories of gum disease, with gingivitis being the onset of the condition. When a patient has gingivitis, he or she may experience red or swollen gum tissue that might bleed during brushing or flossing. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with early treatment and follow-up care. Gingivitis may be brought on by:

• Poor general health
• Poor oral hygiene
• Overly-aggressive brushing
• Misaligned teeth
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Changes in hormonal balance - Pregnancy or hormone treatment
• Dental appliances – braces or retainers

Treatment for gingivitis is uncomplicated, consisting of regular dental check-ups and cleanings along with home oral care. At home, it's important to maintain recommended brushing and flossing practices to eliminate the bacteria that cause gingivitis. This consists of at least brushing twice a day and flossing every day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash provides added protection against bacteria and plaque build-up.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontal disease. When this condition is present, the patient may experience a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, and recession may develop in the gums around teeth. Treatment for periodontal disease is vitally important, as this is a potentially serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and general illness due to the presence of bacteria. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, and other systemic conditions.

Your dentist has several options to combat gum disease in its various stages. Any treatment available may be administered under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Fortunately, with professional treatment and appropriate at-home care, you can return to a healthy state. We at Bristol Dental & Orthodontics are dedicated to teaching you and building the habits of good home care. We believe that it is a team effort, so with your help we can achieve great results and a healthy life style.

Call Bristol Dental & Orthodontics today to schedule your next check-up!




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