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The leading cause of tooth loss for people in the United States is not old age, as many often think. Rather, the leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. Nearly 80 percent of adults have periodontal disease at some point during their lifetime. Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to a serious disease that can result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this moment forward. Gingivitis vs. Gum Disease Bacterial byproducts in the tartar that develops from bacterial buildup cause the gums to become infected, red and tender, which is a condition called gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontal disease). If you do not receive professional cleaning to halt the spread of gingivitis, the infection will spread from the gums to the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. Dentists treat gingivitis by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar, as well as prescribing special mouthwashes or topical treatments while treatment for gum disease involves more serious action. Treatment for gum disease may include antibiotics and antimicrobials, deep scaling of the root surface, removing infected gum tissue or extracting teeth. To avoid these potentially painful symptoms and treatments, it is important to catch the disease in its earlier stages. Prevention Begins at Home Brushing every day does more than just help keep your teeth looking pearly white. Good dental health ia also the key to prevention gum, or periodontal, disease. Our mouths are full of bacteria, which constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing help rid your mouth of plaque, but when plaque is not removed it can harden, forming a tartar that routine brushing doesn't clean. Only a cleaning from your dentist in Encino can remove the tartar. Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, but you play an important role in preventing tartar from forming. Some simple measures you can take to keep your teeth healthy include: * Brush your teeth twice a day
* Floss every day
* Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
* Do not smoke
* Eat right The most important way to prevent gingivitis and later stages of gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. Choosing the right toothbrush is also important for gum disease prevention. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often seem to encourage better brushing habits.
Contact your dentist in Encino, CA immediately if you are exhibiting signs of gum disease. It is important to catch gum disease early, in order to treat and prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Dr. Matt Zarinnia of Encino Cosmetic Dental Group is a highly-regarded dentist in Encino, CA. Specializing in a full array of cosmetic dental procedures, such as Lumineers, teeth whitening, orthodontics and dental implants in Encino, Dr. Zarinnia is qualified to handle any dental need.
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