Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is caused by plaque. It is that film your tongue can feel covering your teeth and gums. Bacteria thrive in this sticky, colorless environment and, if left to grow, your gums can become inflamed. When that happens, you need to contact the offices of Drs. Weston Spencer & James Lovell, Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Periodontal Disease Can Range From Mild To Serious
The mildest form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Poor dental hygiene is the number one reason you can suffer from this condition. Gingivitis makes your gums look decidedly red and swollen. When you brush your teeth and you see blood, chances are you may have gingivitis.
Other factors that can cause you to have gingivitis include if you are a smoker, are diabetic, stressed out, having hormonal imbalances, or are using certain medications.
Left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and even additional medical problems. As plaque spreads and perpetuates below your gum line, toxins are produced that cause more serious irritation to your gums. Tissue and bone that support your teeth are weakened and, in some cases, destroyed.
Gum Disease Affects Women & Men Differently
In females, periodontal health is influenced by a variety of factors including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and the menopause and post-menopause stages of life. There is a gum disease, menopausal gingivostomatitis, that affects a tiny percentage of women. They have gums that bleed easily and can appear to be abnormally pale to deep red. Estrogen supplements have been found to help relieve these symptoms.
For men, incidences of periodontal disease are more prevalent (56.4 percent) than in women (38.4 percent). The theory behind this is that men are less likely to see a dentist than women. Good periodontal health for men is very important as it can have an impact on other health issues including prostate health, heart disease, impotence, and cancer.
Several Options For Treating Gum Disease
Controlling the infection is the main goal for treating gum disease in Rancho Santa Fe. Drs. Weston Spencer and James Lovell may advise you to have a deep cleaning of your gums, prescribe medications, or recommend surgery for severe cases. Every case is different, so it is important that you schedule an appointment at the first sign of gum disease.
Proper Oral Hygiene Prevents Most Gum Diseases
Drs. Spencer and Lovell recommend brushing after every meal to remove food particles and plaque that builds up between your teeth and gums. This also includes brushing the tongue, where bacteria can wreck havoc if left untouched.
Flossing at least one time per day is another part of a good oral hygiene program. Floss can get between your teeth and remove bits of food and plaque that your toothbrush just can’t reach.
If you can’t brush or floss after every meal, at least use mouthwash to swish away particles that can cause bad oral hygiene.
Make An Appointment At The Offices Of Weston Spencer & James Lovell
Call the offices of Weston Spencer & James Lovell to schedule an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. The evaluation will include an examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure, while evaluating your plaque level and other risks for periodontal disease. This exam is the best way to protect your teeth and gums and keep them healthy for your lifetime. Contact us online or call us at (858) 459-0077 to schedule your appointment.