Periodontal Care in Riverside, CA

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissue and bones surrounding the teeth that are caused by bacteria found in plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of leftover food particles and bacteria that forms on your teeth.

When plaque is not regularly removed by brushing or flossing, it hardens into tartar and becomes even harder to remove. If left on the gum line for too long, the bacteria in plaque can cause infection of the gums and supporting bone structure. This is known as periodontitis, which can affect your gums, teeth, and overall health. If not diagnosed and treated early, severe periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. 

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings. At Riverside Tooth Co, our Dentist in Riverside, CA will determine how often you should have a professional cleaning based on the health of your gums and the severity of gum disease symptoms. During your visit, the dentist will also evaluate the health of your gums and look for any signs of gum disease.

How Do I Know If I Need Periodontal Treatment?

Periodontal disease begins when plaque is left on the teeth after the teeth are brushed. Brushing your teeth removes some plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque not removed from the tooth's surface hardens to form tartar. This hardened form of plaque is complicated to remove at home with basic oral hygiene measures. The bacteria that cause the disease thrive in the tartar that forms on your teeth. Over time, these bacteria cause inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth. In more severe cases, this can lead to gum recession and bone loss, leading to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. You should schedule an appointment if you have recently noticed red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, chronic bad breath, or loose teeth.

What Is Periodontal Disease Treatment?

If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and preterm low birth weight babies. Scaling and root planing is a standard treatments for periodontal disease. During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar deposits from the surface of the tooth roots using ultrasonic instruments. Root planing is smoothing rough spots on the tooth roots where bacteria can collect and cause inflammation. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help control infection and inflammation. 

You can prevent further damage to your teeth and gums with proper dental care at home and professional care from your general dentist. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Riverside Tooth Co. at 6886 Indiana Ave Suite B, Riverside 92506, or call (951) 686-2565.