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Gum Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment in Hawthorne, CA
Healthy gums are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. Gum disease is a common condition that can damage the gums and the bone supporting your teeth if left untreated. The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, gum disease can often be controlled and managed.
At Hawthorne Family Dental Care, we provide personalized gum disease treatment to help patients restore and maintain healthy gums. With a periodontist on staff, we offer specialized periodontal care for patients with a range of gum health concerns.
Our goal is to help restore gum health, protect your natural teeth, and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. As a trusted dental practice, we evaluate bleeding gums and bone changes before recommending gum disease treatment tailored to your needs.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It develops when plaque and bacteria build up along and below the gumline.
In its early stages, gum disease may cause inflammation and bleeding. Without proper treatment, it can progress and lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings can help identify gum disease before it becomes more serious.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common warning signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
Even if you are not experiencing pain, gum disease can still be present. A dental examination can help identify problems before they become more serious.
Concerned about early signs of Gum Disease?
Catching gum problems early can make a big difference in protecting your smile. If you are noticing bleeding gums, redness, or welling, learn more about Early Gum Treatment and how addressing gum problems early can help prevent them from becoming more serious.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The most common cause of gum disease is buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
When plaque is not removed through proper brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings, it can harden into tartar. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and contribute to infection.
Other factors that may increase your risk include:
- Inadequate brushing and flossing
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Family history of gum disease
Maintaining good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental care can help reduce your risk.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Our dental team will evaluate your gums and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): A deep cleaning is a common treatment for gum disease. Also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums heal and reattach.
- Periodontal Maintenance: Patients who have been treated for gum disease may need more frequent professional cleanings to help control bacteria and prevent the condition from returning or progressing.
- Advanced Periodontal Treatment: More advanced gum disease may require specialized treatment to address deeper gum pockets, gum recession, or damage to the bone supporting the teeth. Your treatment will depend on the condition of your gums and the extent of the disease.
Periodontal Care with a Periodontist on Staff
At Hawthorne Family Dental Care, we are proud to have a periodontist on staff to provide specialized care for patients with gum disease and other periodontal concerns.
A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of your teeth.
Having a periodontist on staff allows us to offer patients access to specialized periodontal expertise within our practice. Whether you need treatment for gum disease or have more advanced periodontal concerns, we can help determine the appropriate care for your needs.
Our goal is to protect your natural teeth, improve your gum health, and help maintain a healthy smile.
Why Treating Gum Disease Is Important
Healthy gums do more than support your teeth. They play an important role in your overall health.
When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to :
- Damage to the bone supporting your teeth
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Persistent infection and inflammation
Gum disease may also be linked to other health conditions because the inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease can affect the body beyond the mouth. Research has found associations between gum disease and other health conditions including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Stroke
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cancer
- Kidney Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
These connections highlight the importance of maintaining healthy gums and managing your overall health.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Good daily habits can make a significant difference in protecting your gums.
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Scheduling regular dental examinations and cleanings
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Following recommended periodontal maintenance visits
- Managing health conditions such as diabetes
Prevention and early treatment can help keep your gums healthy for years to come.
Gum Disease Treatment in Hawthorne, CA
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, swelling, bad breath, or other signs of gum disease, Hawthorne Family Dental Care is here to help. Our team provides comprehensive dental care, including periodontal treatment with a periodontist on staff. We take the time to evaluate your needs and recommend treatment to help protect your gums and natural teeth.
We proudly serve patients in Hawthorne, Inglewood, Westchester, Lennox, Gardena, Lawndale and surrounding South Bay. Call today or request an appointment online . We look forward to helping you achieve healthier gums and a healthier smile.
Don't wait until gum problems become more serious . Contact Hawthorne Family Dental Care today to schedule your appointment.