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Posts for: March, 2020

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

By Pasadena Dental Implants Peter G. Cooper, DDS

March 09, 2020

Category: Oral Health

Tags: periodontal disease

Loose teeth, bad breath, bleeding gums. These concerning symptoms signal gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss among American adults. At Pasadena Dental Implants in Pasadena, CA, periodontist, Dr. Peter Cooper, has helped scores of people manage this destructive oral health problem.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

It happens when food residues collect between the teeth and at the gum line. Soft plaque quickly hardens to hard tartar, pushing gum tissue away from tooth roots. While people may be unaware of the early signs of gum disease, the problem rapidly becomes obvious, as they notice:

Bleeding when brushing and flossing
Gum and dental pain
Loose and separating teeth
Pus at the gum line
Bad breath
Receding gums and exposed roots
Pimples or fistulas on the gums
Dusky gum color

Additionally, the bacteria and inflammation of gum disease spread system-wide, linking to health problems such as:

Heart disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Stroke
Dementia
Pregnancy complications
Arthritis

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that almost 65 million adults in the US have active gum disease. That's half the over-30 population. In short, everyone needs to be on guard and, as needed, seek treatment for this destructive oral health problem.

How Dr. Cooper can help

Your periodontist offers customized gum disease treatments. For mild gingivitis, a thorough hygienic cleaning at our Pasadena office, coupled with good at-home brushing and flossing, controls symptoms.

However, for more advanced cases, Dr. Cooper may recommend scaling and root planing. Also called a "deep cleaning," this in-office process scraps away hard tartar from below the gum line and smooths roots so soft tissue can re-attach. In addition, the dentist may instill antibiotic medication to quell infection and speed healing.

Finally, Dr. Cooper uses state-of-the-art gum grafting techniques to cover exposed tooth roots. Typically, the patient's own soft tissue is moved to the bare areas and sutured in place, under local anesthesia, of course, for complete comfort.

Preventing gum disease

Here are steps you can take to keep your gums healthy:

Brush two times a day with a soft toothbrush.
Floss once a day with a product you like and will actually use consistently.
Drink several glasses of water a day to rinse and hydrate and to increase anti-bacterial saliva.
Stop using all tobacco products.
Eat a low-sugar, high-fiber diet.
See your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and hygienic cleaning.

Take care of your gums

They are critical to your oral health and overall well-being. Call periodontist Dr. Peter Cooper of Pasadena Dental Implants for the finest in gum treatments and tooth replacement. Phone us today at (626) 796-1241.

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