What are Gum (Periodontal) Disease Causes, Signs & Treatment Options?

Poor oral hygiene has a lot of detrimental effects on your oral health. Besides causing bad breath, poor oral hygiene leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to gum disease. So, what is this oral problem, its causes, symptoms and treatment? Below you will find the answers to these questions and more. So, let’s get into it.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. As mentioned earlier, poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease, but some people are more prone to the disease than others.

What are the Types of Gum Disease?

There are three main types of periodontal disease. They include:

  • Gingivitis– this type of gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque: a soft, sticky substance caused by bacteria. Failure to brush and floss your teeth regularly leads to the build-up of plaque that combines with food debris stuck between teeth leading to gingivitis. This disease is accompanied by gum inflammation and bleeding gums. Therefore, it is advisable to go for gum disease treatment, as soon as possible. Other symptoms of gingivitis are occasional bad breath even after brushing and swollen or red gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable and does not require complicated treatment for it to resolve.
  • Periodontitis– failure to go for periodontal disease treatment leads to the progression of gingivitis, causing periodontitis. At this stage, the disease spreads to the ligaments that hold your teeth. Furthermore, your gums start to pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets that harbour bacteria and plaque. It also becomes challenging to clean your teeth as the plaque hardens, becoming tartar. Gum recession may leave your tooth roots exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. Additionally, your teeth may feel loose as no ligaments or bones are holding the teeth in place.
  • Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)– this is a more severe type of gum disease. The disease is a result of bacterial infection that leads to toothache, ulcers, swelling and Halitosis. Some of the symptoms of ANUG are difficulty swallowing or speaking, a metallic taste in your mouth, very painful ulcers and having a lot of saliva in your mouth. If you notice some signs of ANUG, you should visit our gum disease specialist at 91710 immediately. This is because the disease can lead to tooth loss.

What are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Here are some of the causes of gum disease:

  • Plaque build-up.
  • Chewing or smoking tobacco.
  • Prescription medications- some medications reduce saliva production and flow, which is essential in removing food debris stuck between teeth.
  • Crooked teeth- are hard to clean, leading to plaque build-up.
  • Family history.
  • Hormonal shift for females.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Below are the common signs & symptoms of gum disease:

  • Loose teeth.
  • Receded gums.
  • Bad breath.
  • Bleeding gums.
  • Purplish or reddish gums.
  • Pain when chewing.
  • Soreness.
  • Unpleasant or bad taste in your mouth.
  • Gums that feel tender to the touch.

What are the Different Treatments for Gum Disease?

When you go for gum disease treatment, the dentist will explain that there are different types of treatments for periodontal disease. However, different factors affect which treatment will be right for you. These factors include whether you smoke, your health, treatments you’ve undergone in the past and the severity of the periodontal disease.

Here are some of the treatment options for gum disease:

1) Scaling and Root Planning

this procedure is similar to routine dental cleaning, but the difference is that cleaning is deeper. The dental hygienist will clean beneath your gums and remove plaque that a toothbrush cannot remove.

2) Improved Oral Hygiene and Dental Cleaning

If you go for treatment in the early stages of gum disease, our dentist in Chino, CA will perform a dental cleaning to remove plaque on your teeth surface. Moreover, the dentist will encourage you to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent disease progression.

3) Pocket Reduction Surgery

If you have moderate to advanced gum disease, the dentist will recommend pocket reduction surgery. The procedure focuses on removing plaque and tartar found deep under the gums. During this treatment, the periodontist makes an incision in your gums and makes a flap. The flap allows the periodontist to move your gums back from your teeth roots. Next, the dentist cleans your teeth roots to remove bacteria, tartar and plaque. Lastly, the dentist repositions your gums and uses stitches to close the incision.

Get Gum Disease Treatment Near You

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an acute condition that can lead to tooth loss if not addressed. If you notice the signs of gum disease & looking for periodontal disease treatment near Chino Hills, don’t hesitate to contact Ramona Dentistry to get gum disease treatment in Chino, CA. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Not just sleep, but rather the quality of sleep matters for proper brain and bodily functions. If you are not getting sleep, it’s only a matter of time before your work or school performance starts dwindling. There are various causes of sleep problems. The treatments may also vary per patient depending on what is causing the sleep problems. We will talk about sleep apnea, its symptoms and treatment options in this article.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition affecting many people, regardless of age and dental health. People suffering from sleep apnea tend to experience breathing difficulties when sleeping, which as a result, causes them to get inefficient, low-quality sleep. The condition occurs when there is a limited air intake due to the upper airway muscles relaxing, thus limiting air passage. The disease affects men more than women and is more prevalent in overweight people,

Unfortunately, many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed until they advance and become severe and challenging to treat.

Why Do You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Sleep apnea may not be easy to self-diagnose since its symptoms tend to occur at night when the patient is asleep and unconscious. Unfortunately, this can have dire consequences as undiagnosed sleep apnea has been linked to severe health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

a) Reduces Risks of Vehicle Accidents

Sleep apnea treatment is essential as it can significantly reduce vehicle accidents caused by fatigue. Research shows vehicle drivers with sleep apnea are more likely to cause vehicle accidents than those who don’t have the condition. That is because lack of sufficient sleep causes loss of concentration and impedes fast decision-making, which can affect driving.

b) Improves Mental Health

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of getting mental health problems such as moodiness, irritability and depression. Studies also found sleep apnea to be associated with anxiety. Mental health issues can cause self-esteem issues that can affect your performance and social life. Our sleep apnea dentist near Chino Hills can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea before it worsens and causes mental health problems.

c) Helps in Better Diabetes Management

Sleep apnea increases the chances of developing diabetes. The American Thoracic Society found that treating sleep apnea led to better insulin resistance in patients not diagnosed with diabetes. Research also found untreated sleep apnea patients already diagnosed with diabetes have a difficult time managing their blood sugar levels.

d) Increases Sleep Quality

People living with sleep apnea tend to regularly stop breathing, sometimes forcing them to wake up at night to catch a breath. The frequent interruptions in the patient’s sleeping patterns greatly affected their quality of sleep which caused them to feel tired and sleepy during the day. In addition, sleep apnea patients tend to snore at night, affecting their partner’s sleep. It’s, therefore, essential to see a sleep apnea dentist to seek treatment for your sleep apnea.

What are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are two common types of sleep apneas:

1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, which is commonly abbreviated to OSA, is the most common type of sleep apnea. The condition is caused by irregular breathing patterns resulting from over-relaxation of throat muscles, which limits air intake. OSA patients also tend to experience morning headaches and feel tired and sleepy during the daytime due to not getting enough sleep. Below are things that may increase the chances of getting obstructive sleep apnea:

> Lifestyle

Smoking and consuming alcohol regularly can increase the risk of getting obstructive sleep apnea. Drinking alcohol leads to the relaxation of throat muscles worsening the effects of OSA. On the other hand, smoking increases fluid retention and inflammation in the upper airways worsening the condition.

> Underlying Health Issues

Suffering from cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes makes it easier for you to get OSA. Having a lung disorder like asthma can also make symptoms more severe.

> Obesity

People carrying excess weight are more likely to experience OSA than healthy individuals. That is because obese patients tend to have excess fat, which may be deposited in the upper airway making it harder to breath.

> Age and Gender

In terms of age, patients above 60 years are more affected by sleep apnea than their younger counterparts. Regarding gender, men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women.

2) Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is caused by failure of the brain to send signals to respiratory muscles resulting in shortness of breath. Like OSA, central sleep apnea can affect anyone, irrespective of age. Obesity, being male and regular smoking and drinking will increase the risks of contracting central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Shortness of breath when sleeping
  • Snoring at night
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of concentration
  • Morning headaches

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatment will vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. If you are suffering from mild sleep apnea, our dentist in Chino, CA 91710, may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss and giving up smoking and drinking. If the changes don’t work, our dentist will recommend sleep apnea therapy which is usually very successful at treating sleep apnea.

Get Sleep Apnea Treatment Near You

Sleep apnea is a common condition that can cause severe health problems if left untreated. Our dentist in Chino recommends immediate sleep apnea treatment to prevent complications resulting from sleep apnea. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact Ramona Dentistry of Chino for diagnosis and sleep apnea treatment in Chino, CA!

Important Aftercare Tips for Teeth Implants | Do’s & Don’ts

Tooth loss affects your smile, oral health, dental function, and self-esteem. Fortunately, dental professionals provide various options to replace missing teeth. One of the natural-looking and durable options is tooth implants. Read on to learn how to care for your dental implants after getting them.

What are Dental Implants?

They are types of dental restorations used by our dentist in Chino, CA, to help replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically fixed in the jawbone or gums to support various tooth replacements. For example, an implant can support crowns, dentures, or bridges. They enable the replacement of one or several teeth. Also, getting dental implants help restore full dental function.

What is Dental Implant Aftercare?

The procedure for dental implants is pain-free and comfortable. It is because your dentist will take precautions to prevent pain or discomfort. For example, they use anesthesia and sedation during the procedure. However, you will experience side effects like swelling, tenderness, and pain later. You should also expect slight bleeding from the operated site.

The symptoms will continue until the gums heal and the implant fuses with your jawbone. Therefore, you should properly care for your mouth and the surgical site afterward. Dental implant aftercare begins immediately after the procedure. Proper aftercare promotes fast recovery and helps manage the symptoms.

> Do’s After Dental Implant Surgery

  • Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: People have various issues requiring specialized care after implant surgery. Therefore, you should follow your dentist’s precise instructions following the procedure. Doing so ensures fast and successful healing.
  • Take Rest: Get plenty of rest after the procedure. Resting will help prevent excess bleeding and swelling and promote healing. So, clear your schedule for a day or two and get someone to help you while you relax.
  • Elevate Your Head: Ensure you elevate your head while lying down for adequate blood flow to the head. Elevating your head helps to decrease swelling in the surgical site and prevents excessive swelling.
  • Check What You Eat: After the implant procedure, your gums and mouth will be sore, irritable, and swollen for a few days. Therefore, you should avoid taking spicy, hard, hot, or chewy foods for the first several days. Instead, consume soft, nutritious foods. Try more solid ones as the swelling and pain decrease.
  • Ease The Discomfort and Swelling: Use pain relieving medication and cold packs to reduce pain and swelling in your mouth. Take medicine as instructed by your dentist, and use the ice packs for ten minutes on and off.
  • Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth and flossing after the procedure is essential. However, you should wait until the dentist approves before brushing at the implant site. In the meantime, maintain proper hygiene by using a warm saline rinse after meals. However, use the rinses at least 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Attend Post-surgery Dental Evaluation: Visiting our dentist near Chino Hills during recovery is crucial. The expert will ensure you recover fast and have no complications.
  • If You Have Bruxism, Use Customized Night Guards as You Sleep: They will prevent dislodging or damaging the implant. A nightguard also prevents excess pain when you grind your teeth around the implant site.

> Don’ts During Dental Implant Recovery

  • Do not resume normal activities or do strenuous exercise immediately after surgery. This helps avoid excessive bleeding and swelling.
  • Avoid hot foods and beverages since they increase bleeding, pain, and swelling.
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods since they irritate your gums and lead to excessive pain and bleeding.
  • Do not smoke or take alcohol as you heal following a dental implant procedure. The contents in alcohol and tobacco inhibit healing and may lead to implant failure.

Conclusion

Dental implants look like natural teeth making them unnoticeable when you smile or speak. They restore your chewing and speaking functions like natural teeth. In addition, implants are long-lasting, sturdy, and a permanent solution to missing teeth.

Get Dental Implants Near You

Are you considering replacing your damaged or missing teeth with tooth implants near Chino Hills? Then contact us at Ramona Dentistry of Chino to get dental implants in Chino CA. We offer various dental implant options depending on the number of missing teeth. Also, we consider personal needs to make a choice that improves your smile and facial looks.

Click to listen highlighted text!