Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that jeopardizes your oral health. Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA, dentist, Sharon B. Mateja, helps her patients fight gum disease with contemporary preventive and restorative treatments, like periodontal therapy.

Experts estimate that gum disease affects nearly half of all American adults aged 30 and older. Although it is extremely common, many patients are often unaware that they have periodontal disease. 

Knowing the early warning signs of gum disease is key to saving your oral and systemic health. Here, Dr. Mateja will explore nine common signs of gum disease and how to treat it with restorative dentistry treatments. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

There are many signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, including:

• Swollen gums
• Red or reddish-purple gums 
• Gums that are tender when touched or when chewing
• Gums that bleed when flossing or brushing
• Pus from the gums or in between teeth
• Bad breath
• Receding gums, which may make teeth appear longer than usual
• New gaps forming in between teeth
• Loose teeth or teeth that fall out

Gum disease is a progressive disease that will lead to significant oral and systemic health issues if left untreated. However, the condition is entirely preventable, and there are late-stage treatment options.

Oral Hygiene: Your First Defense

The initial stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is a reversible condition. This means that patients have the power to prevent the disease from causing irreparable dental damage.

Your first defense against gum disease is once-daily flossing and twice-daily brushing. Together, brushing and flossing help remove plaque and food debris from the teeth. As a result, harmful oral bacteria don’t have the opportunity to damage tooth enamel or infect gum tissue. 

While daily brushing and flossing will help maintain a healthy smile, patients should still visit a dentist regularly. A dental professional can help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, like under the gumline. 

Preventive Dental Cleanings: Your Second Defense

Scheduling dental checkups and cleanings at least every six months will help keep your teeth and gums disease-free. Dr. Mateja and her skilled team can conduct thorough dental cleanings, which get below the gumline to remove harmful plaque buildup. 

Laser Periodontal Therapy: Your Last Defense

Late-stage periodontal disease can deteriorate the jaw bone and lead to extensive tooth loss. It can also lead to systemic health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Laser periodontal therapy can prevent these issues and restore your oral and overall health.

Our Rancho Cucamonga dentist uses state-of-the-art diode lasers to treat hard and soft tissue conditions, like periodontal disease. The concentrated light energy of the laser penetrates below the gumline, which kills harmful bacteria, detoxifies the gums, and encourages healing.

Discuss Periodontal Therapy with Our Dentist Today

The signs and symptoms of gum disease may not always be easy for patients to detect on their own. That’s why Dr. Mateja encourages patients to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Early detection and periodontal therapy can help save your teeth, gums, and overall health.

Schedule an appointment with our compassionate team now by booking it online here or by calling our Rancho Cucamonga dental office at (909) 989-5959.