Almond Dental Care

Dr. F.D. Ramirez, D.D.S

7052 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
Tel: 925-556-9994 | Fax: 556-6710
email | directions

Topic of Interest > Periodontal Disease

Overview

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that if left untreated can lead to tooth and bone loss. The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Gingivitis

In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Periodontal Disease

Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, the following factors can affect the health of your gums:

  • Smoking/Tobacco Use
  • Genetics
  • Pregnancy and Puberty
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Systemic Diseases
Treatment Options at Almond Dental Care

State-of-the-art, non-surgical treatment helps ensure the health of your gums and bone, as well as the life of your teeth. Dr. Ramirez provides a full range of solutions—from gentle non-surgical care for damaged gums to effective treatments for periodontitis.

No old fashion hand scraping—gentle ultrasonics and targeted medicaments provide greater precision and faster healing.

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