Achieve Optimal Periodontal Health with Gum Disease Maintenance

Taking care of your oral health involves more than caring for your teeth. Your gums are vital for your smile and deserve similar attention to your teeth. Glendale Dental Wellness offers gum disease maintenance in Glendale, California, to ensure you maintain optimal gum health. Whether you need to prevent, diagnose, or treat gum disease, you can trust Dr. Ivan Chan with high-quality periodontal care.

How does gum disease develop?

Almost everyone who doesn’t brush and floss their teeth diligently is bound to develop gum disease. This oral condition causes dental plaque buildupā€”a mixture of saliva, harmful bacteria, and food debrisā€”to form on your teeth. Most dental plaque is removable by brushing and flossing, but plaque thrives when you fail in your oral hygiene, inviting more bacteria into your mouth.

With time, harmful bacteria infect your gums, causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth. Left untreated, this mild gum infection (gingivitis) progresses into periodontitis, which attacks the periodontal ligaments that support your gums. Over time, the gums pull back (recede) from the teeth, forming deep periodontal pockets. Eventually, periodontitis attacks the supporting bone and ligaments, loosening your teeth, which may ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Is there a link between periodontal disease and systemic health?

Although gum disease starts in the mouth, it doesn’t stay there. Uncontrolled oral infection can seep into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, leaving a trail of damage. Periodontal disease creates an “inflammation overload” in the body, increasing the risk of organ damage and compromised immunity. Periodontal disease has been linked with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and other systemic conditions.

How is gum disease treated?

The treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. Gingivitis can be reversed with routine dental cleanings and good oral hygiene at home. However, if your gum disease is more advanced, Dr. Chan may suggest a deep cleaning. This non-surgical procedure involves scaling to remove harmful deposits from the tooth surface and beneath the gums. Planing polishes your roots to encourage gums to reattach to your teeth. The dentist may combine deep teeth cleaning with antibiotic therapy to prevent reinfections.

Although it’s rare, sometimes you may need gum disease surgery and grafting techniques. Surgical interventions become the best treatment when advanced gum disease fails to respond to periodontal cleanings. Even if advanced gum disease treatments are required, our office will support you every step of the way to help you restore and maintain optimal gum health.

Is gum disease preventable?

While we provide effective periodontal treatments, our main focus is preventionā€”it’s simple, affordable, and spares you from unnecessary discomfort. Follow these tips to help prevent periodontal disease:

  • Visit our office 3-4 times for check-ups and cleanings
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss your teeth at least once daily
  • Avoid a sugar-rich diet and keep your mouth hydrated
  • Quit tobacco use
  • Manage depression, diabetes, and other immune-suppressing conditionsĀ 

Do you need healthy gums?

We know your gums are integral to your oral health. If you want to take control of your gum health, call 818-243-3838 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chan and the team. Our comprehensive periodontal care involves prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to maintain optimal gum health.