Gum disease, or periodontitis, is caused by rampant bacterial growth around the teeth and gum line. If left untreated, periodontitis will cause your gums to become inflamed and irritated, eventually leading to tooth decay and destruction of tissue and bone around the teeth. According to the Center for Disease Control, half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, and the American Academy of Periodontology recommends yearly periodontal evaluations to prevent and treat the disease. With advanced training in periodontics, our dental team provides comprehensive El Cajon gum disease treatment. Our goal is to help patients maintain healthy gums and teeth for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
There are several ways to treat periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and/or surrounding soft tissue. Caused by a buildup of bacteria, the best way to prevent such infections is to practice good brushing, flossing, and nutrition every day.
Beginning in small crevices where the tooth meets the gum, the infection can appear as only minor swelling or bleeding. As the infection progresses, however, it moves deeper below the gum line where it forms large pockets of bacteria in and around the roots of the tooth. Left untreated the disease will decay the bone around the tooth and jaw, which may require a surgical procedure.
It is important to do everything possible to keep the disease from progressing with periodontal dentistry treatment of one or more of the following:
Gum disease is a progressive disease that is best treated early. The first line of defense is proper oral hygiene, followed by regularly scheduled cleanings and periodontal evaluations. If you are experiencing red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Our team offers El Cajon gum disease treatment for every stage of periodontal disease. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation. We want to see you smile your healthiest smile.