Gum Disease: How does it start and who’s at-risk?

Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth. As it worsens, it can cause inflammation and attack bone, resulting in bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth decay and even tooth loss.

How Does Gum Disease Form?

Throughout the day, a build-up of bacteria and other materials can take up residence on and between our teeth, which forms a sticky shell of plaque over time. If untreated, plaque can harden to become tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and instead, must be removed by a dentist.

A build-up of plaque and tartar allows small colonies of bacteria to form in pockets along the base of our teeth, and under the gum. The bacteria erode healthy tissue, and eats away at its surroundings. Gum disease can progress from a manageable condition, to more aggressive infection which can require surgical treatment.

You might be particularly susceptible to gum disease if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Smokers: Smoking is known to irritate the gum tissue, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed and infect gums.
• Hormonal changes: Women going through hormonal changes, including pregnancy, will find their gum tissue softens, which also makes it easier for bacteria to attack.
• Compromised immune system and disease: People who are diagnosed with diabetes, AIDS, cancer and other conditions, do not have the same ability to fight off bacterial infections as healthy people. Also, certain medications for these conditions can reduce the amount of saliva present in the mouth, allowing bacteria to sit longer, if not removed on a regular basis.

While gum disease is common, it can also be effectively treated, or avoided altogether. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, or would like to learn more about how our Campbell, CA dental office treats gum disease, contact our office for your next dental appointment.

What to Look for in a Family Dentist

These days, a lot of emphasis is placed on convenience, affordability and speed. Can this product deliver faster than its competitor? Can this service save me time? We are inundated with shortcuts and solutions. But, when it comes to our health, is it right to apply those metrics to our choice of care providers?

When choosing a family dentist,  the advantages of picking the right dental professional offer long-term benefits for all members of your family. Here's why:

Convenience

When you think about convenience, what springs to mind? A one-stop location where you can get everything you need?

Getting comprehensive care without having to deal with multiple providers, or finding a single location that serves your entire family, is important for families with busy schedules. Our family dental office offers multiple dental specialties under a single roof. Our team understands the different conditions affecting teeth at all stages of life; your entire family can be treated at one location.

A Trusting Patient Relationship

A relationship based on trust takes time, and when you have a family dentist, you are given that time. Our family dentists are experienced and educated in treating patients of all ages. Introducing children to our office from a young age helps establish good dental habits, and helps your child become used to coming in to see us for checkups. We get to know your family to better customize treatment plans to match your needs.

Establishing Preventive Care at a Young Age

Family dentists place a lot of emphasis on preventive care. From regular dental visits for cleanings and examinations, to educating patients on the correct tooth brushing techniques, family dentists offer a wealth of information and guidance. We encourage patients to practice at-home care at an early age, which is crucial in the fight against gum disease and tooth decay. We are also able to spot potential problem areas before they develop into something more serious, which saves our family patients from a lot of discomfort and expense.

If you have questions about how a family dentist can provide comprehensive care for all members of your family, contact our office to schedule consultation.