“Periodontal Disease” is a term that many people have heard but are often unaware of the nature of the disease, its causes, symptoms and treatment. At Los Gatos Dental we frequently see patients who don’t fully understand the seriousness of it or the potential it has to impact their lives. Let’s start with a simplified explanation of “Periodontal Disease”:

When bacteria in your mouth are allowed to go unchecked; they build up around your teeth at the gum line causing an infection of the gum tissue, ultimately leading to periodontal disease (gum disease). The lack of proper dental hygiene is the primary factor leading to gum disease, tut you may be surprised to learn that there are other contributing factors such as genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, poor diet, medications and tobacco use

Many people are unaware that they have Periodontal Disease because it often progresses without showing any signs or symptoms (such as pain) normally associated with other dental issues. Here are some of the more common symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

• Unexplained bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating
• Pain, redness or swelling of the gums
• Longer-looking teeth caused by receding gums
• Bad breath due to food particles stuck between teeth and under the gum line
• Loose teeth/change in bite pattern resulting from loss of gum tissue

If you experience any of the above, contact your dentist or Periodontal professional immediately. At Los Gatos Periodontal Dentist we have specialized training and education to treat gum disease. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to our team, and we use advanced, state of the art, non-invasive laser treatments to eliminate gum disease quickly.

Unfortunately, Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world today. But you do not have to become one of the statistics! With proper dental hygiene and regular cleanings and exams, it is highly preventable and easily treated.

An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

At Los Gatos Dentist we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse.  Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

• Using sugar-free candy or gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your Los Gatos, CA Dentist Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.

I see many patients in my Los Gatos Dental Office who, after a thorough examination are shocked to find that they are suffering from Periodontal Disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease). The fact is that three out of four people will suffer some sort of Periodontal Disease at some point in their lives. This is just one reason why routine dental exams are of the utmost importance.

Periodontal Disease is a progressive condition and the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults and occurs when the bacteria found in plaque begin to irritate or inflame the gingiva (gum tissue).  The resulting bacterial infection, often known as gingivitis, can eventually lead to the destruction of the gum tissue and underlying bone.  If Periodontal Disease is not treated, it can also lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.

However, it is extremely important for you to note that Periodontal Disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain. Following are some of the most common symptoms of periodontitis.

•    Red, swollen or tender gums
•    Bleeding while brushing or flossing
•    Gums that pull away from teeth
•    Loose or separating teeth
•    Pus between the gum and tooth
•    Persistent bad breath
•    Changes in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites or change in the fit of partial dentures.

There are many common types of Periodontal Disease, each with its own distinct characteristics and symptoms and they all require prompt treatment by a dentist to halt subsequent bone and tissue loss. At Los Gatos Cosmetic Dentist we know that good oral health contributes to good overall health, so we use microscopes to continually test for bacteria, ensuring that your Periodontal Disease is effectively treated.

Our specialized training and education in Periodontics enables us to treat gum disease and bleeding gums comfortably. We use cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment options to eliminate Periodontal Disease so you can be assured of healthy, strong teeth for many years to come.