Novato Periodontal Disease Dentist Helps Patients Recognize Developing Oral Tissue Infections

Written by Dr. McConnell on Apr 9, 2024

A crucial part of supporting overall dental health and wellness is to maintain healthy oral tissues. Your oral tissues are the foundation of your smile; when they are damaged or diminished, the other parts of your mouth will suffer as a result.

Our Novato dentists are here with a quick overview of how gum disease presents, and what it does to your smile. We hope that this short article empowers you to seek prompt treatment for gum disease if and when it pops up in your life. Remember, timely treatment is key!

If you’re dealing with gum disease, you may actually be able to see visible changes to your gum tissue. Your gums may look red or swollen, and they may appear inflamed. Now, gum tissue naturally comes in a number of different shades, so what you really want to look for are any sudden changes in the color of your gums.

Infected gum tissue is also more fragile than healthy gums. Many gum disease sufferers find that their gums are prone to bleeding, especially when the patient flosses, brushes, or eats abrasive foods. Simultaneously, the gums may actually start to pull away from the teeth, forming something called “periodontal pockets.” If you have gaps between your teeth and gums, talk to your dentist about gum disease treatment right away.

Chronic bad breath is another indicator of periodontal and gum disease. As oral bacteria build up in the patient’s smile, they release unpleasant odors. If you’re finding it particularly difficult to freshen your breath day to day, you may be dealing with entrenched oral bacteria from gum disease.

Treating periodontal disease involves clearing away infected material, killing oral bacteria, and promoting gum tissue healing and regeneration. Our Novato gum disease dentists use the latest technologies, including laser periodontal treatment to accomplish these goals. Give us a call to learn more!