Do your gums feel tender or inflamed? Do they bleed when you brush? Is bad breath persistent – even after using mouthwash? These are all are common symptoms of gum disease or periodontal disease.
At Alpharetta Creek Restorative Dentistry, we take the prevention and treatment of gum disease very seriously. It is estimated that nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. If it is not caught and treated early, gum disease can potentially lead to tooth loss and even impact your overall health.
Stages of Gum DiseasePeriodontal disease is a bacterial infection that slowly destroys gum tissue and the supporting structures of your teeth. The infection is the result of plaque buildup and bacteria on your teeth. There are two stages of gum disease:
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. The most noticeable symptoms of gingivitis are inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums. However, there may be no symptoms at all or they may be so mild that you don’t notice them. If we catch gingivitis soon enough, it is usually reversible.
The most severe stage of gum disease is periodontitis. At this point, the infection in your gums has spread to the bone and connective tissue that holds your teeth in place.
Pockets form between the gums and your teeth as the gum and bone separate from your teeth. Called periodontal pockets, they give bacteria a place to collect and cause an infection that can lead to loss of tissue and bone, loose teeth, and even potential tooth loss.
Dr. Kai Liang is very excited to have the opportunity to serve the communities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Kai and his wife, Sandy, have 2 little girls named Zoey Madison and Piper McKenzie.
Having been a resident of Georgia almost all his life, Dr. Kai is proud to call himself a Georgian. He graduated from Duluth High School and attended undergraduate and graduate school at Georgia State University, earning both bachelor of science (BS) and master of science (MS) degrees in the field of Biology. He ...
Our hygienist will recommend the treatment that’s appropriate for the general condition of your teeth and the level of infection. Gingivitis is the mildest stage of gum disease and is often controlled with a comprehensive cleaning followed by more frequent dental cleanings.
As gum disease advances, it becomes periodontitis. In this case, we recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that involves clearing away bacteria and smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to remove rough spots where bacteria can collect.
Your hygienist will irrigate the affected area with an antibacterial rinse to wash away any remaining bacteria and give you a fresh start. We typically recommend that you schedule your next appointment in a few weeks so we can monitor the situation. More frequent cleanings in the future may be needed to stay a step ahead of the disease.
I am sure by now; many of us have read the article earlier this month about flossing is not really important in maintaining a healthy mouth. The report claims the studies show "weak" and "very unreliable" evidence that flossing effectively removes plaque. So, is flossing really important?
Since the article was published, the American Academy of Periodontology (Dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants), the American Dental Association and National Institute of Health have all came out and stand firmly behind the practice of flossing daily. “A lack of quality evidence is not indicative of a lack of effectiveness. There is no dispute over whether flossing removes plaque and debris — it does. Since prolonged exposure to the bacteria in plaque may lead to gum disease, removing it is advised,” says Dr. Wayne Aldredge, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. He says flossing is required to expunge the plaque that often lurks deep between the teeth and beneath the gums — places your toothbrush can’t always reach.
From my personal experience since I have started practicing dentistry. Most of my patients who have been flossing regularly tend to have less dental issues, whether its bleeding gums or cavities. Now, I know this is a “scientific study” by any means, but this is from seeing thousands of patients in my career. There are definitely many factors when it comes to causes of gum disease/cavity, diet and home care are the 2 of the most important factors in preventing them. Most of us probably will not change our diet for our oral health, so why not brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of having gum disease/cavity. The more you do at home, the less you will likely have to do in the dental chair!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team!
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the structures that support your teeth, including bone and ligaments. A common sign that you have gum disease is gums that bleed when you brush. Other signs to look for are tender, puffy, or inflamed gums.
Gingivitis is the first and mildest stage of gum disease. Without treatment, gingivitis can quickly advance to periodontitis, the most advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, tooth loss becomes a real possibility.
The most important thing is to let your dentist know as soon as you experience any symptoms. Common treatment for gingivitis involves a comprehensive professional cleaning and improved at-home hygiene.
Treatment for periodontitis involves a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. During the scaling portion, your hygienist gently scrapes away all plaque and tartar lingering on your teeth. Next, they smooth all the root surfaces of your teeth to eliminate rough spots where bacteria can collect. You will receive tips for getting your oral hygiene on track, and we will schedule more frequent cleaning appointments in the future.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable, and all it takes is conscientious oral hygiene and routine visits to Alpharetta Creek Restorative Dentistry for routine exams and cleanings. If it’s time for your next checkup, please call us to arrange your appointment!
The American Dental Association recommends dental visits every six months for a very good reason. This interval allows us to check in with you periodically and see if anything has changed since your last visit. If your teeth are healthy, great! Your hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning, and we’ll schedule you for your next visit in six months.
By seeing you regularly, we can address problems as they arise. It’s easy to see how finding and treating a tiny cavity during a six-month visit is preferable to waiting a year until you feel discomfort. Putting off scheduled visits will only result in more complicated and costly treatment to correct the problem.
During your routine checkup, we will do a visual exam and note any changes since your last visit. We will talk to you about habits like teeth grinding that may be impacting your oral health. Another benefit to routine visits is oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is particularly aggressive, and finding it in its earliest stages might just save your life.
Conscientious brushing and flossing are essential, but they are only one aspect of your oral health care. If you are ready for your next cleaning and exam, please call Johns Creek, GA family dentist Dr. Kai Liang.
Occasional bad breath is common and is usually caused by eating foods like garlic and onions. But if you have chronic bad breath, you may notice your friends and coworkers taking a step back when they speak to you. If this embarrassing experience sounds familiar, there are several things you can do to freshen your breath and protect your oral health.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential, but rinsing your mouth after you eat is also helpful for fighting bad breath. Rinsing flushes sugar and acids out of your mouth and minimizes the amount of time they linger on your teeth.
You should brush your tongue as part of your oral hygiene routine. The tongue is where the majority of bacteria live and breed in your mouth. Brushing removes bacteria from your teeth, but if you skip your tongue, these bacteria will transfer to your teeth. Brushing your tongue will eliminate these bacteria and help improve your breath.
Drinking lots of water flushes away the bacteria and food debris that linger in your mouth and causes bad breath.
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is also associated with bad breath and occurs for many reasons, including stress, tobacco use, cancer treatment, diabetes, and the medications you take. Drink lots of water and chew sugarless gum or suck on a hard, sugar-free candy to stimulate the flow of saliva.
We are always happy to answer questions about your oral health concerns. Please don’t hesitate to call our Milton, GA dental office and arrange a convenient appointment with family dentist Dr. Kai Liang.
If we find symptoms of periodontal (gum disease) during your regular checkup, our hygienist will recommend a dental cleaning and tips for improving your oral hygiene routine.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection in your gums that we need to treat promptly. Without treatment, periodontal disease attacks your gums, jawbone, and other structures that support your teeth. Chronic gum infections are also known to contribute to life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.
For most people, cleanings twice a year are sufficient to prevent periodontal disease from developing in the first place. But if you have signs of periodontal disease, you need more frequent cleanings to keep your gums healthy and prevent the disease from reoccurring.
If you have gum disease, our hygienist will carefully and gently clean your teeth above and below the gum line to remove the infection. Once we remove the infection, your gums will start to heal. More frequent cleanings ensure that your gums heal properly and stay healthy.
As your Alpharetta family dentist, Dr. Kai Liang is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential treatments we offer that protect your oral health by preventing serious problems like gum disease.
Please contact our dental office to make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning. We will work with you to establish a treatment plan that will keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years to come.
Gum disease is very common, but the good news is that it’s also highly preventable! By establishing proper at-home oral hygiene practices and keeping up with routine dental exams and cleanings, you may never have to worry about developing gum disease!
Our team at Alpharetta Creek Restorative Dentistry would love to meet you so we can help you get the high-quality oral health care you need for a healthy smile. Please call our office and a friendly member of our team will be happy to help you schedule an appointment.
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