Gum Disease Treatment
Oral health is an essential component of overall wellness, but it is often overlooked until a problem arises. Gum disease, one of the most common oral health conditions, affects millions of people worldwide, and if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to teeth and even impact overall health.
Hundreds of strains of bacteria reside in your oral cavity, with some multiplying aggressively by feeding on sugars and starches. These harmful pathogens form a protective film of sticky plaque, trapping food debris and making it difficult for your body to flush them out with saliva. As they eat, bacteria produce toxins that irritate soft tissues, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Common signs of gingivitis include puffy, discolored gums that bleed when you brush or floss, and a foul taste or smell in your mouth. While gingivitis is typically painless, without proper treatment, it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause significant damage to the teeth and supporting tissues. In periodontitis, gums loosen from teeth, forming pockets that trap even more bacteria. As bacteria penetrate deeper into the gums, it prompts an inflammatory response that gradually destroys connective tissue and bone. As a result, teeth lose attachment and fall out, or they must be extracted. Gum recession is another common symptom of periodontitis, making teeth look long and exposing root surfaces prone to decay.
What’s more, bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation linked to serious illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to seek qualified treatment for gum disease. Dr. Taw and his hygiene team at San Mateo Dental Care provide effective treatments to get gum disease under control and maintain healthy mouths. Dr. Taw checks for early signs of gum disease during regular examinations, and care is personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs. Some of the periodontal services offered include scaling and root planing, laser therapies to sanitize pockets and roots, gentle laser excision of diseased gum tissue, bone grafting to aid in hard tissue regeneration, and guidance on at-home care and professional cleanings to prevent gum disease.
At San Mateo Dental Care, Dr. Taw and his team take your health seriously, and they are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay area of California and are concerned about gum disease, call 650-344-7500 today to schedule an evaluation.
