Why Would You Need to See a Gum Specialist?

Two distinctive types of gum disease can affect your oral health. They are:
 
• Gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by a build-up of plaque and red and irritated gums that typically form as a by-product of poor oral hygiene. This type of gum disease can usually be targeted and overcome with persistent and thorough oral hygiene practices. However, without proper treatment, it can lead to more serious problems.

• Periodontitis. When gingivitis is not treated, the end result may be periodontitis — a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to the deterioration of the gums, mouth bones, tissue, and teeth. In adults, it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s important to note that there are several different types of periodontitis, including:

• Chronic periodontitis. This type is the most common, characterized by gum recession and pockets forming. While it can occur at any age, it’s typically found in adults.

• Aggressive periodontitis. This type of gum disease is characterized by rapid deterioration of gums and bones.

• System disease periodontitis. This type of periodontitis typically begins in the younger years and is correlated with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

• Necrotizing periodontal disease. This is characterized by the death of gum tissue, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bones, which causes lesions along the gums. It is typically found in those suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.

It can be difficult to tell if you have gum disease without consulting an experienced dental practitioner. However, some early indicators of gum disease are:
 
• Bad breath, regardless of when you’ve brushed your teeth.
• Bleeding gums.
• Gum recession.
• Gum soreness and/or bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Loose teeth.
• Pain while chewing.
• Swollen or tender gums.
• Teeth sensitivity.
• Toothaches.
 
If you notice any of these signs, book in with your dental practitioner as soon as possible. The best way to prevent gum disease and stop it from worsening is to catch and treat it early.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria in your mouth that produce toxins that are irritating gum tissue. If the bacteria aren’t cleared away via regular oral care, such as brushing and flossing, it forms plaque that’s hard to remove. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar which requires professional cleaning to get rid of. If it’s not removed, it will continue to cause harm to the surrounding tissue, teeth, and bones.
 
There is also a genetic component to gum disease with some people having an amplified immune response to the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease.

A gum disease specialist, also known as a periodontist, can diagnose and treat gingivitis at all stages. Periodontists have additional dental training that goes beyond that of a standard dentist when it comes to treating traditional and complex cases of gum disease.
 
A periodontist can perform scaling and root planing procedures that clear away plaque and tartar that are affecting the root of the tooth. They can also perform other procedures to eliminate periodontal disease, such as rebuilding any lost bone and removing affected teeth that cannot be saved.
 
At Selective Dental, we offer preventative and comprehensive treatment for gum disease to safeguard your oral health. If you’re concerned that you may have gum disease or are looking for treatment based on a recent diagnosis, contact our team of dedicated specialists at your earliest convenience. We would be happy to get you on the road to a healthier mouth and a smile that you can feel confident in. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!