Have you ever wondered why your gums sometimes bleed or become red and swollen? This is a mild form of gum disease known as gingivitis, and according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) half of American adults aged 30 and over have gum disease. Bacteria in our mouth create a sticky layer on our teeth called plaque. When plaque builds up along the gum line, the bacteria produce toxins that can create a shallow gap between the tooth and the gums. Plaque that is not removed may harden into tartar, and tartar can only be removed at a professional dental cleaning. If the tartar and plaque remain on the teeth, it can cause gum inflammation, or gingivitis. Depending on the severity of your condition, gingivitis might be reversed. To determine the extent of your gum disease, Dr. Reyhani and Dr. Hakimzadeh will measure the depth of these periodontal pockets and develop the best course of action to treat your gum disease.
Treating Gum Disease
Depending on the severity of the gum disease, the treatments can vary. However, Dr. Hakimzadeh and Dr. Reyhani will encourage patients with gum disease to practice regular brushing and flossing at home to improve treatment outcomes. They may also encourage patients to make other changes, such as quitting smoking.
Scaling and Root Planing
In the doctor’s office, the dentist or hygienist sweeps the plaque off of you teeth’s roots, underneath the gums, in a deep-cleaning technique called scaling and root planing. Scaling means cleaning off the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing involves moothing the surfaces of your teeth roots to hinder bacteria buildup in the future.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain healthy dental habits, such as daily brushing and flossing, which is critical to remove lodged food that feeds oral bacteria. It is also essential to attend professional dental cleanings at least every six months, and to contact your dentist if you have any signs of gum disease before it advances and causes significant dental damage.
About Our Doctors
Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh and Dr. Ben Reyhani provide excellent preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry with advanced dental technologies and a gentle touch. They welcome patients of all ages from Downey, Lakewood, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call (562) 645-4573.
