Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or gum infection, is the most common disease in adults caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth that doesn’t get treated properly. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease, but other factors contribute to gum diseases as well. Poor oral hygiene, illnesses such as diabetes and cancer, certain medications, hormonal changes from menopause or pregnancy, and smoking are all major causes. Periodontal disease is a painless, slow progressing disease that if not diagnosed at its early stages, will destroy the bone which is the support of the teeth, and eventually loss of teeth. Unfortunately, most patients are not aware they have this disease until later stages when it is not curable anymore. There is also many proven correlation between gum disease and other diseases in the body, i.e. heart disease and diabetes and several others.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

Never skip regular cleanings, which we recommend every 6 months. This is the best way to catch issues before they accelerate. At home, make sure you exercise impeccable dental hygiene, including proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and using antiseptic mouthwash. Eat healthful foods and, if you’re a smoker, we advise you to quit.

How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

The first step of gum treatment is usually a deep cleaning which will remove plaque and tarter and bacteria from underneath the gums.

Tarter also called “calculus”, is plaque which has remained on the teeth for a long time and has hardened into a rough substance. It also accumulates on the root surfaces underneath the gum line. Once we remove all the plaque, tarter and bacteria from tooth and root surfaces, proper oral hygiene is very important to maintain healthy gums.

If you have not seen a dentist in over 6 months, please call St James dental Group, your dentist in Cudahy CA at (323) 771-7254 to come in for a full check up which includes evaluation of gum disease and your periodontal health.

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