9310 Carmel Mountain Rd., Ste. A
San Diego, CA 92129
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue. Nearly half of all Americans suffer from gum disease, and many do not even know it. The first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes no permanent damage and can be eliminated with proper care.
But if you do not get treatment in time, the disease will progress and cause permanent damage to your gums and teeth. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the top 5 signs of gum disease and get the care you need to preserve your oral health.
If you are in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, or Carmel Mountain Ranch, call us today at (858) 484-4880 to learn more and find out if you need care for gum disease from the team at Carmel Mountain Dental Care.
This is a very common problem, and it indicates that you may have gingivitis. When your gums are inflamed, they are very sensitive to irritation, and there is a lot of blood near the surface of the gums. The rubbing caused by brushing or flossing can easily cause the gums to bleed.
Counter-intuitively, you should not stop brushing or flossing if you notice bleeding. In fact, brushing and flossing more often will help eliminate plaque and tartar, and result in less bleeding.
Discoloration is another common symptom. Your gums should be a healthy pink color. As the gums react to the presence of bacteria, they may become dark red, or even a purple color in more serious cases of gum disease.
Inflammation and swelling is a natural reaction to infection. If your gums look puffy and feel spongy to the touch, you likely are suffering from gingivitis, or may even have a more advanced case of gum disease.
The buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in your mouth can make your breath smell very bad. If you notice that you have bad breath that won’t go away, this could be a sign that you may have gum disease.
In more advanced cases of gum disease, the gums may pull away from the teeth as they are attacked by the infection. This may make your teeth look longer, and it’s a sure sign that you have gum disease and need to get help right away.
In most cases, the initial periodontal therapy used for gum disease is called a “deep cleaning.” This involves using special scalers and tools to scrape bacteria, plaque, and tartar away from your gum line. Treatment usually spans two appointments as half of your mouth will be treated in each appointment.
You will also likely get an antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotic medication to use. In most cases, deep cleanings and antibiotics can eliminate gingivitis, and halt the progression of periodontitis.
However, more serious cases of gum disease may require surgery, such as gum flap surgery, which involves folding back the gums to clean the roots of your teeth. To find out more and see what treatment may be right for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. H. Jonathan Lee at Carmel Mountain Dental Care.
Whether you’re in Carmel Valley, Del Sur, 4S Ranch, or Rancho Peñasquitos, Carmel Mountain Dental Care is here to help you get treatment for gum disease. If you notice one or more of the above signs, don’t wait. Contact us for an appointment at (858) 484-4880 right away, or stop by our office at 9310 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste A, San Diego, CA 92129.
First visit to Carmel Mountain Dental Care? Schedule your New Patient Appointment today to meet the team and get the quality care you deserve at Carmel Mountain Dental Care in Rancho Peñasquitos. Our New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam, cleaning, x-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.
