Periodontal Disease = Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky and colorless film that forms on the teeth. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed and maintained with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental cleaning & check up with the dentist.  Gum disease that is left untreated would lead to tooth loss and other periodontal complications and problems.

This is the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) classification of Periodontal Disease:

Type I  Gingivitis

·       Earliest stage of gum disease

·       No loss of attachment, no bone loss

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversible since there is no bone loss.

·       Proper brushing, floss and regular dental cleaning help to remove plaque

Type II  Early Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 3-4mm.  Bone loss is present.

·       Periodontal pockets are formed as the dental tissues (gums and supportive ligaments) begin to pull away from the tooth.  These pockets trap bacteria and causes gum infection

·       Localized area of gingival recession; gums pull away and exposes the root

·       Bleeding on probing may be present

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Type III  Moderate Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: 4-6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show mobility (loose)

·       Damages cause by gum disease is irreversible

Type IV  Advanced Periodontitis

·       Pocket depths or attachment loss: greater than 6mm.   Bone loss is present.

·       Supporting tissues and bone are destroyed. 

·       Bleeding on probing

·       Furcation involvement

·       Teeth show increased mobility (loose).  Some teeth are so loose that they may need to be extracted.

·       Damages caused by gum disease is irreversible

Signs of Periodontal Disease

·       Gums are red, swollen or tender

·       Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

·       Teeth that look longer due to gum recessions

·       Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

·       Loose or shifting teeth

·       Persistent  bad breath or bad taste in the mouth

·       Changes of the teeth fit together when biting (occlusion)

·       Changes of the fit of the partial denture

Gum disease can occur at any age.  If gum disease is detected and treated at early stages, it can be reversed and maintained.  Currently, there is no cure for gum disease. 

If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.  Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth. Call and schedule a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com

Keep Your Smile Healthy

Don’t take for granted that just because your smile looks healthy that it is healthy. It takes practicing great habits every day to keep your smile in tip-top-shape and great oral habits on a regular basis can ensure your smile lasts a lifetime. Follow these 7 steps to ensure your smile is beautiful every day. 

1.     Brush and floss regularly. No need to skip this valuable step in the morning or at night. It takes less than 5 minutes to keep your smile healthy. 

2.     Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.  The extra water in fruits and vegetables can rinse sticky foods from your teeth to decrease the plaque that sticks on the surface of your teeth when you consume food high in carbohydrates and sugar. 

3.     Don’t skip your dental visits. We know how busy you are. Keeping your routine dental visits can save you time later on. Problems that result in not brushing and flossing can lead to periodontal problems, expensive crowns, root canals or other major dental procedures to get your smile back in line. 

4.     Drink water. This is so important for your smile and your body. By consuming water, you keep your mouth from drying out. Dry mouth increases the number of bacteria that is already in your mouth, giving them opportunities to attack your enamel. 

For more information on how to improve and keep your smile healthy, contact Dr. Lee & her team.

Are you impacted by Gum Recession?

         

Gum recession is a condition in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth is receded/pulled back and the root of the tooth is exposed.   Exposed roots can lead to temperature sensitivity to hot or cold foods/drinks (coffee, ice tea) and acidic foods, which make every day eating uncomfortable.

Gum recession is a common dental problem.  Many people are not aware of this problem because it occurs gradually.  For some people, the first sign of gum recession is tooth sensitivity to drinking an ice tea or rinsing the mouth with cold water when brushing their teeth.  Other people may notice their teeth appear longer than normal.  

There are a number of factors that cause gum recession.  Consult with your cosmetic dentist; he/she will help you identify the cause of the problem and recommend necessary treatment. 

If you experience any dental problem or tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with the 

Glendora cosmetic dentist,  Dr. AnnaLee, for a consultation. She can be reached at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com.