Your gum tissue provides the foundation of your smile; when your oral tissues are compromised, your smile as whole will suffer. Our Santa Monica dentists work with our patients to help them manage and beat periodontal disease. Keep reading this short article to learn more about the importance of healthy oral tissues.
Your teeth are undoubtedly the most visible part of your smile. Teeth are held in place, however, by connective and gum tissues. When considering gum health, it’s important to remember that all of the components of your smile—your teeth, your oral tissues, your jawbone—are all interconnected.
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue. The same harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities can infect your gums, causing inflammation and decay. When this type of infection is left untreated, your gums will start to wear away, and the very tissues that hold your teeth in place will loosen and weaken.
So, in addition to producing common symptoms of periodontal disease, like chronic bad breath and bleeding gums, gum disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss among adult dental patients. Severe periodontal disease even spreads to jawbone tissue, and leads to loss of bone tissue density.
The key to dealing with periodontal disease is to clear away accumulated oral bacteria, and promote the regeneration of healthy oral tissues. Our dental team uses laser periodontal disease treatment to specifically target and eliminate areas of infection, while leaving healthy gum tissue intact. This type of treatment is both more comfortable and more effective than traditional cut and sew gum surgery.
The sooner that you seek treatment for periodontal disease, the better your long-term dental prognosis. Please don’t hesitate to call our Santa Monica dentist to get more information and to schedule a consultation! We are here to help you build a healthy dental foundation that will last for years.