Livermore Dentist - Gum Disease - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Gum disease is very common and can take various forms. Some forms are painful, but many are not and can go undiscovered for years without detection if someone doesn't see a dental professional (dentist or hygienist) for help. The key to dealing with gum disease is to prevent it from developing into a form that is dangerous to the long-term use of teeth. This is relatively easy for most of us as it simply involves daily brushing and flossing as well as regular cleanings and exams with a dental professional.

There are a great number of different forms of gum disease and a few of the most common types include:

1. Gingivitis - this type of gum problem is so common that it could be considered normal and is not dangerous to the teeth and gums at this stage. This condition is relatively easy to improve and should be done to prevent development of additional gum disease.

2. Periodontitis - this type of gum disease takes different forms and can only be properly diagnosed by a dentist. All forms require treatment and the more severe form may not be treated successfully; in other words, it can, in late stages, cause loss of some or all the teeth.

• Mild periodontitis - will slowly and without pain get worse. At this stage, the disease is very treatable. This form afflicts almost all adults at some point during a lifetime.
  
• Moderate periodontitis - a more advanced form of gum disease than mild periodontitis. This form is also very treatable, but the treatment is considerably more involved as the bone underneath the gums has been affected.
  
• Advanced periodontitis - a very dangerous disease not only to the teeth but even the general health may be affected at this stage or even at earlier stages. All patients with cardiovascular disease and heart problems as well as diabetes should ensure that any form of gum disease is treated. This type of gum disease frequently results in tooth loss and is not hard to detect but can be very difficult or even impossible to treat without loss of the teeth.

The traditional methods of dealing with gum disease still apply and serve as the basic level of treatment. These include cleaning the teeth mechanically with a variety of instruments such as the usual metal scalers and the polishers, but also the ultrasonic cleaners which spray water and use high frequency sound waves to loosen the plaque and tartar that clings to the teeth and which provides the environment for bacteria and the associated infection so characteristic of gum disease.

There have been a number of new developments and improvements over the past 5-10 years including:

• Laser therapy - lasers can be used in a variety of ways to help either kill bacteria or remove diseased tissue.
• Neutraceuticals - dietary supplements which can help provide benefits to the immune system which can help with gum disease.

The most important aspect of any treatment program is the maintenance care following the active treatment phase. There have been a significant number of improvements to the methods of cleaning your teeth at home. When a good home care habit is combined with an active maintenance cleaning program provided by your dentist and hygienist, most cases require little, if any, further active treatment.