Novato, CA Dentist Explains Signs to Look for with Gum Disease

Written by Dr. McConnell on Aug 4, 2015

It is not uncommon for people to have periodontal disease and not be aware of it. The problem is that periodontal disease is a serious oral health concern.

Without prompt treatment at the Novato, CA Dentist Office, periodontal disease can take a serious toll on the health of your teeth and gums. More importantly, emerging research indicates that severe periodontal disease can contribute to serious physical problems like heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.

How Gum Disease Starts

Bacteria build up on the teeth and around your gum line all day, causing plaque to develop. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats enamel and oral tissue throughout the day.

You can remove a certain amount of plaque with brushing and flossing, but even the most conscientious at-home oral hygiene does not eliminate plaque completely. Plaque that remains on your teeth eventually hardens into a substance called tartar.

Signs that You May Have Gum Disease

Some of the common signs of periodontal disease are:

  • Swollen or inflamed gums
  • Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, or during gentle probing
  • Gums that seem to be receding
  • The feeling that your teeth are becoming loose
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth even after using mouthwash or brushing your teeth

Everyone is prone to periodontal disease, even patients who take extra care with their oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing can help to remove much of the bacteria that linger on teeth, but at-home oral hygiene alone cannot remove all the plaque. When plaque remains on the teeth it eventually calcifies into tartar. You cannot remove tartar from your teeth, and it must be done by a dentist or dental hygienist.
 
We use non-invasive laser treatment to remove periodontal disease, but this can be avoided with proper prevention. Conscientious oral hygiene, regular dental exams and professional cleanings at the Novato, CA Dentist office are your best defense against developing periodontal disease.

Please Contact our Office

We want to help protect your oral and general health. Contact our office at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam and professional cleaning.