Caring for your teeth and smile starts with your gums. The value and importance of advanced specialty gum care

The gums are the underrated “stars” of your smile. They not only surround the teeth and promote a more attractive, balanced appearance in your smile, but they also provide a strong “seal” to protect and hold your teeth in place in the jawbone. At Advanced Dental, Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula and our team in Aliso Viejo, California, take gum health so seriously that we boast the considerable onsite expertise of a board-certified periodontist (“gum disease specialist” ): Dr. Joseph C. Yang.

Patients benefit from Dr. Yang’s specialized experience and knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of destructive gum disease. We also offer a full array of complementary technologies and capabilities to more effectively and painlessly heal diseased gums and restore a healthy, proud smile.

The importance and value of proactive care

Conditions like gum disease adversely affect your smile and overall health. When diagnosed, prompt treatment is essential. Such prompt care ensures that the infection that harms the gums doesn’t spread to other parts of the mouth. Gingival infections can even spread to different parts of the face and body. The inflammation and bacteria associated with advanced gum disease have even been implicated in the development of serious conditions like endocarditis or the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves.

Treating “early-stage” gum disease

Gingivitis is described as the earliest stage of gum disease, also called periodontal disease. Patients diagnosed with gingivitis may find their gums more “sensitive” or tender to the touch. They may look swollen or puffy and appear redder than usual. Another telltale sign is the presence of blood on your toothbrush or floss. At this stage, the inflammation of gum disease can be treated and even reversed. A thorough professional cleaning is required, and antibiotic mouthwash is prescribed in some cases. With proper care, patients with gingivitis can restore their healthy gums, and in doing so, the health, comfort, function, and beauty of their smiles are also restored.

Treating more advanced gum disease

If gum disease worsens and tartar is allowed to build up below the gums, this is characterized as “periodontitis.” At this stage, the bacteria in the build-up plaque (tartar) starts to harm the bone and tissues surrounding your teeth. With our specialty expertise, we can still save your teeth and smile! Treatment may include a “deep cleaning” procedure called scaling and root planing, which involves removing tartar below the gumline with specialized instruments and other techniques to fight the build-up of bacteria and plaque on the root surfaces of the teeth. For more advanced periodontitis, laser-assisted therapies may be on the horizon to encourage healing and the regeneration of tissues.

An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure

It’s a simple truth: The best “treatment” is no treatment at all. The good news is that many oral diseases, including gum disease, can be prevented with good home care and regular checkups at our office in Aliso Viejo, CA. If you are due for a cleaning and exam, do not delay contacting Advanced Dental today. Call (949) 289-9993 to get your gums in top shape and to keep the rest of you feeling great and healthy!