Periodontal disease is the medical term for gum disease. It’s so common that almost two-thirds of American adults have one stage or another of the disease. Gum disease is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Dr. Omid treats all stages of periodontal disease at our Long Beach dentist office.
The most common symptoms of periodontal disease are gum soreness and bleeding after brushing and flossing. The gums may also become red and puffy. Chewing may be painful, and the gums may recede from around the teeth, making them appear longer. They may become painful to the touch.
Patients with more advanced stages of the disease may notice loose teeth and pus around the gums. Some patients also report chronic bad breath.
Periodontal disease starts when plaque and tartar accumulate around the gums, causing inflammation. Plaque is a bacterial film that forms on your teeth when the sugars and starches in the food you eat interact in the mouth. It can be removed by brushing and flossing. Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
As more tartar and plaque accumulate, the gums swell and become infected. They’re easily irritated. This is the point when you may notice bleeding when you brush or floss. This is mild periodontal disease, often called gingivitis, and is the easiest to treat. If treated now, the disease can be reversed and won’t become progressive.
Eventually, the gums develop pockets filled with plaque, tartar, and excess bacteria that start receding from the teeth. This is the moderate form of the disease. The pockets gradually grow deeper, and the infection can spread to deeper tissue and bone. This stage is the most severe form of periodontal disease. Tooth loss becomes a possibility at this point.
No. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria living under the patient’s gums and can’t be transmitted from one person to another.
It is extremely rare to find periodontal disease in a child. It’s sometimes found in adolescents, but almost all cases occur in adults.
Gingivitis, the mild form of periodontal disease, can be controlled through regular brushing and flossing, but still requires regular dentist visits for monitoring and possible deep cleaning. More advanced stages of the disease require periodontal treatment. Moderate and severe periodontal disease is progressive and will worsen over time without treatment.
A thorough dental exam is required to diagnose periodontal disease and determine how advanced it is.
There are many treatments available for periodontal disease, ranging from deep cleaning to a dental surgery known as a gum graft. The best treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Mild periodontal disease may be controlled by deep cleaning, but more serious cases often need surgery and possibly tooth removal.
Dr. Omid will decide which treatment(s) are best for you after your exam.
Moderate and severe periodontal disease will worsen over time if left untreated. The receding gums often cause teeth to loosen and need removal. Teeth may also need to be removed if the infection spreads to them from the gums.
The consequences can also go far beyond dental health. The constant inflammation weakens your immune system and can lead to other serious infections.
Furthermore, the infection from the periodontal disease itself can spread from your gums into your bloodstream. This increases your chances of having a stroke or a heart attack. It can increase your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, the infection can spread to your respiratory system and cause you to develop emphysema, pneumonia, and other serious respiratory conditions.
Good dental hygiene helps prevent the development of periodontal disease. This means brushing twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash, and flossing daily. Regular dentist visits can catch the disease before it takes hold. Some people, such as diabetics, are more at risk of developing periodontal disease due to underlying medical conditions.
Genetics and age also play a role in the development of gum disease. Smokers are much more likely than nonsmokers to develop periodontal disease.
The cost of treating periodontal disease in Long Beach varies depending on how advanced the disease is, which treatment(s) are needed, and what portion will be covered by your dental insurance. After we complete your consultation, our team will develop a treatment plan and go over it with you and explain how much it will cost.
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Do you need to be treated for periodontal disease in Long Beach, CA? Call us today at (562) 373-0026 for a consultation!
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