
Jan
Many people overlook their gum health, not realizing it can lead to gum disease or periodontal issues. This common condition can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and even your overall health. At Barsanti Dental Group, we provide comprehensive periodontal care in Arcata, California, to help you maintain healthy gums and prevent serious complications. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Dr. Trish Barsantitoday for expert care and lasting solutions.
Gum disease is often called a “silent condition” because it typically progresses without causing noticeable pain. This lack of discomfort makes it easy to overlook the early warning signs, allowing the disease to advance and cause significant damage before it’s detected.
Gum disease is a severe oral condition with devastating consequences. Here are key facts about gum disease that everyone should know:
Gum disease can develop from various factors, but plaque remains the primary culprit. Plaque (oral biofilm) is a sticky, colorless film that builds up on your teeth when proper brushing and flossing are neglected. Over time, the bacteria in plaque irritate and inflame your gum tissues, leading to the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis). Without treatment, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, which causes receding gums and tooth loss.
What’s the leading cause of tooth loss? Is it injuries or tooth decay? Surprisingly, it’s periodontal disease. When gum disease starts, the infection is at the surface level. Without treatment, the infection spreads beneath the gums, destroying the periodontal bone. As these supporting structures weaken, teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Gum disease doesn’t only affect your oral health—it affects your overall well-being. Several studies have linked gum disease to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications. Uncontrolled gum infections can seep into the bloodstream, affecting your body’s overall health.
Gum disease is non- curable. The best way to keep your gums healthy is through prevention. Prevent gum disease through diligent brushing and flossing. Also, routine dental cleanings are essential for removing plaque buildup that can’t be removed by brushing alone. Routine dental check-ups are vital for catching early signs to provide treatment when the disease is easily treatable.
Our office uses a conservative approach to treat gum disease. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings. The dentist recommends deep teeth cleaning to overcome the infection if you have moderate to severe gum disease. This non-surgical procedure combines scaling and root planing (SRP) to promote healing.
Instead of traditional methods, our office uses laser therapy to fight gum disease. Laser therapy involves using light technology to treat mild to advanced gum disease—there are no scalpels or sutures, which are invasive and often lead to prolonged recovery.
Gum disease may be silent, but its consequences can be loud and life-changing. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call (707) 388-3880 and schedule an appointment with Barsanti Dental Group for excellent periodontal care. Prioritize your gum health today—your smile and overall well-being depend on it!