Business Information

Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal Disease?

The gums and tissues that support and surround your teeth are infected with periodontal disease. Untreated, it can cause the destruction of gums and supporting bone structures. It starts with bacterial growth. Early stages of periodontal disease are often silent and show few symptoms. Regular dental examinations are essential for early detection and prevention.

Untreated, gingivitis can progress to Periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the gums pull back from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets become infected. As the disease advances, the gums and tissues that support the teeth begin to break down. This eventually leads to tooth loss.

La Jolla Dental Image's team and Dr. Hamidy focus on diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases at every stage. We provide tailored treatment plans to help restore and maintain gum health. This will prevent the progression of a common, but preventable condition.

Periodontal Disease: Causes and risk factors

Periodontal disease is caused by a number of factors, but poor oral hygiene is one. Plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and gums becomes tartar when it hardens. This buildup encourages bacteria to grow, causing gum inflammation and infection.

The following are other risk factors that can lead to periodontal disease:

Smoking & Tobacco Use Tobacco is a significant risk factor, as it affects the gums' ability to heal. It also increases the likelihood of gum disease.
Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones can increase gum sensitivity, which increases the risk of gum disease.
Genetic Susceptibility Some people are more susceptible to periodontal diseases due to genetic factors even if they practice good oral hygiene.
Medical Conditions Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune system disorders increase the risk for periodontal disease.
Medications Certain medications cause dry mouth and increase the risk of gum disease.

Dr. Hamidy, the team at La Jolla Dental Image and you can reduce your risk by understanding the causes and factors.

Periodontal Disease: Recognizing its Symptoms

Early detection is important because treatment is usually simpler and more effective when it is detected early. Routine dental examinations are essential, even if the symptoms at first seem mild or unnoticeable. As the disease advances, symptoms will become more severe and obvious.

Periodontal disease can be characterized by:

Tender, Red, or Swollen Gums Inflamed, red, swollen, and tender gums are the first signs of gingivitis. This is the early stage of gum disease.
Gums That Bleed When Brushing or Flossing: Gums bleeding easily indicates irritation or infection.
Bad Breath and Bad Taste in Mouth: Bad breath that persists even after brushing can be a sign of bacteria on the gums.
Receding gums: Teeth may appear longer as roots are exposed when the gums pull away.
Shifting or Loose Teeth In advanced stages of the disease, the supporting bone can be damaged, resulting in teeth shifting or becoming loose.

It's important to get evaluated and treated as soon as you see any of these symptoms. Dr. Hamidy will evaluate the condition of your gums, and then recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Periodontal Disease Prevention

The best way to prevent periodontal diseases and maintain gum health is through prevention. La Jolla Dental Image emphasizes education and customized prevention strategies to help our patients maintain a healthy smile throughout their lives.

Prevention strategies include:

Daily Dental Hygiene: Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing one time a day will help to remove plaque.
Routine Dental Checkups: We can catch early signs of gum diseases and treat them before they become more serious.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, and managing your stress levels can all help to promote healthier gums.
Managing Conditions If you suffer from a health condition that increases the risk for periodontal diseases, like diabetes, it is important to manage this condition effectively.

Our team and Dr. Hamidy provide each patient with personalized guidance to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This includes recommendations for brushing, flossing, and dietary advice. We also offer strategies for risk reduction. We focus on prevention to help you maintain healthy, strong gums, and prevent the complications of periodontal diseases.

Schedule your Periodontal Exam

Early intervention and regular checkups are key to maintaining healthy gingiva and preventing periodontal diseases. La Jolla Dental Image is dedicated to offering comprehensive care and support to patients who are dealing with gum disease or who may be at risk. Our team and Dr. Hamidy are located in La Jolla. We can help you maintain and achieve optimal oral health.

We encourage you to call our office to schedule an evaluation if you have symptoms of periodontal diseases or a due date for a checkup. Early intervention and proactive dental care can help you protect your gums for many years.