17100 N 67th Ave, #500, Glendale, AZ 85308 623.979.1515

Gum Disease

Gum Disease – Periodontal Disease

Glendale, Arizona

It is estimated that an average of three out of every four adults have some degree of gum disease, most without realizing it. Gum disease is generally caused by bacterial plaque, infecting and inflaming the gums and the surrounding tissues. This is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

How Does Gum Disease Develop?

Hi, I’m Dr. Greg Ceyhan from Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead in Glendale, Arizona, and that’s in the Arrowhead area. You know, a big percentage of the population suffers from gingivitis and also a large percentage of the population suffers from some type of gum disease. And gingivitis is not really gum disease. It really is just a bleeding or an inflammation of the gums caused from the bacteria there. But when that bacteria sort of grows and hasn’t been cleaned off the teeth adequately or you don’t go to the dentist regularly, what will happen is that, bacteria will start invading and infecting the bone that surrounds the tooth and now it’s become what we call periodontal disease or gum and bone disease.

So, there’s different degrees of gum and bone disease or periodontal disease, and the more severe it gets, the higher chance there is that you’re gonna lose teeth. So, it’s really important that you actually see your dentist on a regular basis and intervene before it becomes that serious.

Bacteria in your mouth feeds off of food and drink you ingest, collecting around your teeth and forming a thin colorless film called plaque. Regular brushing and flossing removes this film, but if left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar, also known as calculus, forms at and underneath the gum line as a rough porous mineral buildup that is yellow or brown. Tartar is usually visible to the naked eye and is a common cause of discoloration of the teeth. The bacteria inside of the tartar excrete toxins that create a very acidic environment against your teeth, damaging the tooth enamel, creating cavities, and causing gum inflammation that results in periodontal pockets developing that contain even more bacteria and toxins. If left untreated, this condition can continue deeper into your jaw, loosening teeth or causing them to fall out, and even destroying the bone of your jaw that holds teeth in place.

Regular brushing and flossing is very important in preventing gum disease, and regular trips to the dentist for a professional Glendale dental cleaning can help remove accumulated tartar and treat any existing gum disease.

Signs of Gum Disease Include:

  • Red colored, puffy, or inflamed gums
  • Gum sensitivity or pain
  • Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gum lines
  • Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
  • Pus excreting from between the gum and tooth

A Health Hazard

Gum disease can cause major problems inside your mouth, causing pain, bad breath, loose teeth, and other problems, but if left alone, gum disease can actually cause major health concern with the rest of your body as well. Gum disease has actually been linked in studies to osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke.

Treatment

The treatment of Glendale gum disease has a whole area of dentistry devoted to it called Periodontics. The early stages can be treated at your biyearly dental cleaning as your dentist scales the teeth to remove tartar and plaque building, and then smooths out the roots. Antibiotics may be packed directly into the gum or prescribed to clear up any infection that has already set in. If you suffer from a more advanced case, your dentist may need to perform oral surgery: removing hardened plaque build-up, disinfecting surrounding tissues, surgically trim the gums, and even recontour damaged bone.

Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead

(623) 979-1515

17100 N 67th Ave, Suite 500
Glendale, Arizona 85308
Website: drgregceyhan.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits and visiting your dentist twice a year or as frequently as recommended is the best way to avoid periodontal disease. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Bleeding gums can indicate a serious issue, like the early stages of gum disease. Call Dr. Ceyhan in Glendale, AZ today to make an appointment.
You may find yourself at a higher risk for gum disease if your take certain types of medication, suffer from diabetes, smoke, are constantly stressed, or don’t eat properly. Speak to your dentist about the best way to prevent or treat gum disease in your mouth.

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