When you think about a healthy smile, taking good care of your teeth is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that keeping your gums healthy is just as important for not just your oral health, but also your overall well being? Left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to the point that it causes receding gums and tooth loss, and a growing body of research has shown that gum disease is linked to several serious systemic diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimers disease and gut issues. At North Bay Smiles, patients in the Petaluma, CA area and the neighboring communities of Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, and Novato can rely on Dr. Yvonne Szyperski to diagnose and treat their gum disease effectively, while using a gentle and compassionate approach.
Periodontal disease, which is also known as gum disease, is an infectious and inflammatory condition that affects the gums surrounding your teeth. It is a progressive condition, which means that while it may start out with only mild symptoms, it can grow into a more serious problem for your oral health over time that is much more difficult to treat.
In its earliest stage, periodontal disease is called gingivitis, which is a mild inflammation in the gums due to the buildup of plaque and bacteria where the teeth meet the gums. The bacteria produces toxic by-products that reside in the plaque and eat away at the gums, causing an inflammatory response in the body that can ultimately lead to the breakdown of not just gum tissue, but also the tooth, bone, and supporting ligaments.
Diagnosing gum disease starts with a visual examination of your teeth and gums, as well as the use of a periodontal probe to gently measure the distance from the top of your gums to the bone. Larger pockets tend to be associated with more advanced stages of periodontal disease. We will also ask you about any symptoms you may have and use the information we gather from your dental exam to diagnose gum disease.
The treatment options for gum disease vary depending on the stage it is at. In general, the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes.
After your initial periodontal treatment is complete, an equally important component of your care plan is long-term maintenance. Typically, patients who have undergone periodontal treatment will benefit from maintenance periodontal cleanings three to four times per year, where we will check the pocket depths and your gum health and remove any built-up plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. We will also perform the other components of routine cleanings and exams, such as taking x-rays as needed, checking your teeth for signs of decay, performing an oral cancer screening, and polishing your teeth.
While insufficient oral hygiene is the primary cause of periodontal disease, there are several other risk factors that can contribute to its development, including:
There are many different types of periodontal disease that have various underlying causes and manifestations of the disease, but a common factor with all types is that urgent treatment is important to prevent the disease from progressing and causing irreversible damage.
Many patients with gum disease are not even aware they have it because it can start out with few to no symptoms. However, Dr. Szyperski can quickly detect it through regular check-ups and help start you on a path towards healthier gums, which is part of why it is so important to see us regularly for your routine cleanings and examinations. As gum disease progresses, some of the common signs & symptoms include:
At North Bay Smiles, we care about the health of your whole mouth and provide effective solutions for patients with all stages of gum disease. To schedule your appointment, call us in Petaluma, CA today at (707) 306-8001.