Dentist - Ceres, CA

Gum Disease

2531 East Whitmore Avenue, Suite I
Ceres, CA 95037

Office Hours

Monday :

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday :

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wednesday :

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday :

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Friday :

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually leads to the destruction of the support of your natural teeth. This disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria found in plaque produce enzymes and toxins which injure the gums. Injured gums turn red, swell and bleed easily.

If this injury is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.

Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (tartar).

This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds the teeth in place deteriorate.

If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Pain is usually not present until damage from this disease is very advanced.

Causes of Gum Disease

Our mouths are full of bacteria from the foods we eat. This bacteria constantly builds-up throughout the day and becomes the sticky, colorless substance on our teeth we call “plaque.”

If plaque is allowed to stay on the surface of your teeth for extended periods of time, it begins to harden into “tartar.” Removing plaque from daily brushing will help prevent tartar from forming. Tartar is much more difficult to remove and allows the bacteria within to eat away at the surrounding tooth and gum tissues.

As bacteria that’s allowed to sit along the gumline continues, it causes the gums to become inflamed and turn red. This is known as “gingivitis” and if left untreated, it can advance to “periodontitis,” which is an inflammation around the tooth that starts to affect the bony tooth-support.

At this point, gums pull away from the tooth and form “pockets” that become infected. Plaque and tartar spread and grow below the gum line and break down the bone and connective tissue. If this cycle is left untreated, it will typically progress to the point where the tooth needs to be removed.

Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to the dentist help keep plaque and tartar from causing issues associated from gingivitis and periodontitis.

Stages Of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes and other plaque byproducts by irritating the gums, making them tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily. Gingivitis generally can be stopped with proper oral hygiene and minor treatment from your dentist. If this is achieved, your gums can return to a healthy state.

Periodontitis

Moderate gum disease is when the tooth’s bone tissue starts to deteriorate. Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows more plaque to collect below the gum line. This causes the roots of the teeth to become susceptible to decay. Generally, patients notice an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold and to touch.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis occurs when a major amount of gum and bone tissue has been lost and the teeth are losing more and more support due to the loss of periodontal ligament and bone. Some teeth are unable to be saved and must be extracted. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can cause severe health problems elsewhere in the body.

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