Periodontics in Berkeley, CA
Caring for Your Gums With Dr. Nguyen
If you noticed bleeding in your gums when you brush or floss your teeth, you may be dealing with the early stages of periodontal disease. This condition is one of the most common dental afflictions in American adults, but fortunately, it is also one of the easiest to treat. Read our guide to see how Dr. Nguyen can help save your teeth and gums from gingivitis.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an oral infection that spreads through your gum tissue. It results from a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, which leaves sticky deposits on your teeth called plaque that’s hard to remove without routine professional cleanings.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe consequences for your teeth and overall health. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors so you can seek treatment from our dentist right away.
Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Common symptoms of periodontal disease that you should watch out for include the following:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- An improper bite
- Tooth loss
If left untreated, these symptoms will get worse and can lead to significant health concerns that may require more invasive treatment.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease when your gums start to look red and swollen. Typically, you won’t experience any pain or other symptoms at this point, making it easy for your infection to go unnoticed unless examined by a dentist.
Periodontitis — If you don’t seek treatment for gingivitis right away, your infection can slowly progress to the more severe stage of periodontitis. At this point, bacteria will start to destroy the underlying bones and tissues in your mouth, resulting in severe pain and eventual tooth loss.
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk of gum disease. Some of these include:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Medications that reduce saliva flow
- Certain health conditions, such as cancer or AIDS
- Stress
- Aging
- Genetics
If your gums appear red and swollen, or if they start to bleed when you brush your teeth, contact our Berkeley, CA office immediately to receive assistance from Dr. Nguyen.
Treatment Solutions
If you get treatment for gum disease while it’s still in the gingivitis stage, your symptoms are relatively easy to reverse. In many cases, you can even eliminate gingivitis yourself by practicing a consistent oral health regimen at home.
If this doesn’t work, Dr. Nguyen will treat your infection with scaling and root planing, a procedure that involves removing plaque from above and below your gum line. We’ll also recommend that you visit us for a periodontal check-up at least once a year.
Once your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, treatment becomes much more difficult. Depending on your case, Dr. Nguyen may be able to perform a soft tissue graft and restore your deficient gums with healthy donor tissue. Otherwise, he’ll work with you to determine the best treatment option available for your situation.
Visit Acorn Family Dental Care for Periodontal Treatment
While gum disease starts as a relatively mild issue, it can severely damage your health if you aren’t careful. Dr. Nguyen can ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis for your gum disease and identify the appropriate treatment that best works for you and your smile.
Call 510-848-0114 or complete our convenient online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Nguyen — we look forward to meeting you.