Gum Specialist in San Jose, CA on Blossom Hill Rd

Gum disease can begin with gingivitis, a mild variety that infects only the gums, but if it is left untreated it can spread. Untreated gum disease can travel into the bone and become more serious. Gum disease is not only capable of damaging oral health, but it can put the patient at a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and cancer, among other health complications. For these reasons, seeking early treatment for gum disease is of the utmost importance. Getting early treatment is key to helping keep your oral health in check.

Individuals with gum disease should seek treatment. The dentist will work to control the infection. A thorough deep cleaning that goes under the gumline is usually the initial treatment, the dentist will usually scrape the tartar off and possibly do some root planning to help reattach the gums to the teeth. Medication is sometimes part of the treatment; the dentist may also recommend specific dental products like an antibacterial mouthwash. Failing the success of deep cleaning, patients may require surgery such as gum graft surgery or flap surgery.

One of the first visual signs of gum disease comes in the form of inflammation and easy bleeding caused by bacteria in plaque build-up during the early signs of gingivitis. After building up, plaque hardens quickly to tartar, which makes it difficult to clean the gums and teeth. The build-up inflames and irritates the gums.

The inner layer of the bone and gum begins to pull away from the teeth, and the pockets they leave behind can become infected through the collection of debris. Visual signs such as larger-looking teeth as the gums peel away, inflamed and swollen gums, and bleeding are what gum disease starts to look like.

There are two types of gum diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is fairly common, and as long as it is detected and treated promptly, it is reversible and not too serious. However, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which can cause greater health concerns. Among adults, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontitis can lead to decay and destruction of teeth, tissue, mouth bones, and gums.

Gum disease is associated with a variety of warning signs, which if caught early and treated, can eliminate the risk of dangerous complications. Inflammation on the gum line visible with swollen red gums is an early sign that treatment is required. The gums may also bleed easily and feel painful or tender when an individual is brushing or flossing. Bad breath can arise due to the toxins released by bacteria that irritate the teeth and gums.

If an individual notices their teeth look larger, the gums have likely shrunk. Gum disease sometimes impacts the bones holding the teeth, resulting in teeth shifting or feeling like teeth have lost their feeling. Receding gums will also expose the more sensitive areas of the teeth, and an individual may notice this if they experience discomfort or irritation from exposure to cold air or a cold drink.

The best practice for avoiding gum disease is to take preventative measures against it, which includes practicing good dental hygiene and keeping your regularly scheduled dentist appointments every 6 months. For patients in San Jose, CA, NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics offers dental services to both prevent and treat gum disease. Contact us or book an online appointment today to maintain and promote excellent dental health and avoid unwanted complications. We are here to help keep your oral health in check, and we are also accepting new patients. We are conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA.