Gum Disease Treatment Berkeley
No matter how clean your teeth themselves might be, unhealthy gums could still be putting your health at risk. Healthy gums are the base of every healthy mouth and unfortunately periodontal (gum) disease can be silently damaging your teeth, even increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. But, if it’s caught early during one our regular exams and cleanings, periodontal disease is highly treatable and can be reversible! Don't wait until it's too late, for Berkeley gum disease treatment call Berkeley Hills Dentistry.
Signs and Stages of Gum Disease
The best way to keep your gums healthy is to have an expert, like your Berkeley dentist, take a look at them. So, staying current with your every six-month cleaning and exam is the number one recommendation to fend off periodontal illness.
Aside from that, here are a few other things to look out for that might mean you’re experiencing some level of disease. If you see any of these signs, call us right away at (510) 527-9564 to schedule an appointment.
- Excessive bleeding from gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Swelling or tenderness of the gums
- Loosening of the feeling of wobbly teeth
- Changes in your bite or the way teeth fit together
- A bad taste in your mouth or persistent, metallic bad breath
- Recession in your gum line
Causes of Gum Disease
Like most of the bad things that can happen in your mouth, periodontal disease usually begins with an unhealthy buildup of plaque. If that plaque is not removed it becomes a harder substance, known as tartar. As that settles in near where your teeth and gums meet it can lead to disease. Other problem behaviors, like smoking or chewing tobacco, greatly increase your risk for gum disease.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs in two main stages, which is why it’s so important to catch it early.
The first, most treatable stage, is gingivitis. While not good for you, gingivitis affects only the gums and typically starts with buildup near the gum line. If you have gingivitis, your gums are probably bleeding pretty regularly and treatment involves scaling and root planing (commonly called a deep cleaning) from our doctors or hygienists. Thankfully, after that the effects of gingivitis are often reversed.
If not treated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis. When this has occurred, the disease has spread from the gums into the bone and fibers of the teeth. Gums that have started to recede in the mouth are frequently infected with periodontitis. With more advanced periodontitis (sometimes referred to as the third stage), teeth may need to be extracted and the disease may need to be treated by a specialist.
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Office Hours:
Monday: 8AM - 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM - 7PM
Wednesday: 8AM - 5PM
Thursday: 8AM - 5PM
Friday: 8AM - 5PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday Closed