415-752-8311
3030 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118
San Francisco Dental – What is Gum Disease
Caring for your teeth is important, but so is caring for your gums. Your gums are part of the foundation for your teeth, protecting the bone and the tooth’s roots. Inadequate oral care along with plaque can cause this strong foundation to recede leaving the more sensitive part of your tooth exposed and your gum and bone damaged.
Gum disease also known as periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. It can cause damage to the gum and underlying bone and cause tooth loss. Periodontal actually means ‘around the tooth’. When this infection attacks the health around the tooth and is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss regardless if the tooth is healthy.
There are two forms of gum disease based on the stage of infection it has reached: gingivitis and periodontitis. The mildest of the two forms is gingivitis, which in most cases with treatment is reversible. With this disease your gums will bleed and become swollen and red. Typically gingivitis causes no real discomfort, nevertheless it is important that you receive care and treatment before it progresses into periodontitis. The more severe form of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis comes in several forms: aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, as a manifestation of systemic diseases, and necrotizing. During the periodontitis stage, plaque grows and extends down below the gum line where the bacteria release toxins causing the gums to become irritated. Eventually the foundation (bone and gum tissue) are slowly and irreversibly damaged. In time the teeth will start to become loose, and possibly fall out or have to be removed.
Aggressive periodontitis can occur in those who are even in good general health and can be difficult to control. Bone loss and gum damage can occur quickly. Chronic periodontitis is the most frequent form of periodontitis where bone loss and gum damage occur more slowly over time. As a manifestion of systemic diseases, periodontitis is stemmed from other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease. The necrotizing form of periodontitis is often found in those with conditions stemming from HIV, immunosuppression, and malnutrition.
It is important to visit your dentist at least every six months for preventive measures. The sooner gum disease is treated the better the outcome.
Gum disease also known as periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. It can cause damage to the gum and underlying bone and cause tooth loss. Periodontal actually means ‘around the tooth’. When this infection attacks the health around the tooth and is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss regardless if the tooth is healthy.
There are two forms of gum disease based on the stage of infection it has reached: gingivitis and periodontitis. The mildest of the two forms is gingivitis, which in most cases with treatment is reversible. With this disease your gums will bleed and become swollen and red. Typically gingivitis causes no real discomfort, nevertheless it is important that you receive care and treatment before it progresses into periodontitis. The more severe form of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis comes in several forms: aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, as a manifestation of systemic diseases, and necrotizing. During the periodontitis stage, plaque grows and extends down below the gum line where the bacteria release toxins causing the gums to become irritated. Eventually the foundation (bone and gum tissue) are slowly and irreversibly damaged. In time the teeth will start to become loose, and possibly fall out or have to be removed.
Aggressive periodontitis can occur in those who are even in good general health and can be difficult to control. Bone loss and gum damage can occur quickly. Chronic periodontitis is the most frequent form of periodontitis where bone loss and gum damage occur more slowly over time. As a manifestion of systemic diseases, periodontitis is stemmed from other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease. The necrotizing form of periodontitis is often found in those with conditions stemming from HIV, immunosuppression, and malnutrition.
It is important to visit your dentist at least every six months for preventive measures. The sooner gum disease is treated the better the outcome.
Related Articles
San Francisco Dental - What is Gum Disease?
San Francisco Gum Disease - What is Gum Recession and Gum Graft?
Treatment of Gum Disease in San Francisco - The importance of Oral Hygiene in the Treatment of Gum Disease in San Francisco
Periodontal Disease San Francisco - The Key Is Early Diagnosis and Oral Hygiene
Laser Gum Treatments San Francisco - Gum surgery without cutting or stitches?
Bleeding Gums San Francisco - Causes of bleeding gums, and treatment options in San Francisco
Dentist San Francisco, Dental Implants San Francisco, Veneers San Francisco, San Francisco Dentist: Dr. Arellano is a well known dentist in San Francisco, CA. He offers latest treatments in Gum Disease San Francisco, Teeth Whitening San Francisco, Invisalign San Francisco, Veneers San Francisco, Dental Implants San Francisco, Dental Care San Francisco, Crown Bridges San Francisco, Cosmetic Dentistry San Francisco, Tmj Tmd San Francisco, Snoring Sleep Apnea San Francisco