Understanding the Different Types of Gum Disease

At Harmony Smile Dental, we’re dedicated to creating a harmonious and inviting environment where we restore and maintain your beautiful smiles. Our team works closely with you and your family to keep your gums healthy. After all, gums provide critical support and protection for your teeth. At Sunnyvale’s Harmony Smile Dental, Dr. Ryan Zhuoran Zhao and his team can provide the best gum infection treatment options. Trust us to give you a healthy, balanced smile you’ll be proud to show off!

How We Care for Your Gums

We believe in making the health of your gums a top priority. Regular professional cleanings and exams are the foundation of a healthy gum regimen. Our highly trained hygienists are skilled at removing stubborn plaque and harmful bacteria that can irritate and erode soft tissue and bone over time. In addition to cleanings, our 6-month check-ups are designed to catch any potential gum problems early on before they cause permanent damage. 

What Can Cause Gum Disease?

Did you know that gum disease is one of the most common reasons for tooth loss, second to tooth decay? Unfortunately, this progressive condition can go unnoticed until it’s too late, making it crucial to understand its causes and symptoms. Food debris, harmful oral bacteria, and plaque build-up can lead to gum disease, ultimately breaking down the supportive tissue and bone in the jaw. That’s why we take your oral hygiene very seriously by offering effective treatment plans to help you avoid the pitfalls of gum disease.

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

Regular dental exams are crucial to detect early-stage gum disease or gingivitis, which can be asymptomatic or “silent.” Our dental practice prioritizes such exams to identify subtle signs of gum disease or underlying conditions that may go unnoticed. Although it may not always exhibit symptoms, certain warning signs may include:

• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Blood on your floss or toothbrush
• Bad taste
• Halitosis
• Gums have a darker red appearance

Can the Effects of Advanced Gum Disease Be Reversed?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. This condition can lead to several noticeable symptoms, such as receding gums and wider pockets between the gums and teeth. You may also experience changes in your “bite,” which refers to how your upper and lower teeth fit together when your mouth is closed. These changes can cause your teeth to feel loose or shift. Taking care of your oral health and visiting a dentist regularly to prevent and treat periodontitis is essential.

With early detection, we can effectively reverse the adverse effects of gum disease and restore your gums’ health, structure, and appearance using conservative methods. But irreversible tissue loss can occur if left untreated and allowed to progress. Fortunately, in such cases, Dr. Zhao can utilize advanced techniques like grafting to rebuild the damaged gum tissue or bone.

What Are My Gum Disease Treatment Options?

The course of treatment for gum disease depends on the disease stage. In the early stages of minor inflammation, our dentist may suggest simple oral care adjustments that can be done at home, along with some specialized oral care products. It is always a good idea to modify your lifestyle to reduce the risk of gum disease. When the condition is slightly more advanced, a deep cleaning procedure, called scaling and root planing, can resolve the issue. However, suppose the disease is in its later stages. In that case, more aggressive periodontal therapy, such as rebuilding gummy bone or tissue with techniques such as grafting, may be necessary to treat it effectively.

Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks

At Harmony Smile Dental of Sunnyvale, we pride ourselves on providing the best dental care in a warm, comfortable, and caring atmosphere. If you need lasting relief from gum infection, visit us. You can schedule your appointment with Dr. Zhao by calling (408) 738-1000. Our office is at 1195 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale, CA.