When the gum tissue around the teeth starts to wear away or pulls back to the roots of the teeth, your teeth can become more sensitive and the receding gums can affect the quality of your smile. Gum recession can not only indicate the presence of gum disease, but also mechanical or functional problems that need to be addressed. Once the gums recede, they do not grow back; it is therefore important to prevent further recession of the gums. Without proper treatment, you may end up losing your teeth.

Since gum recession occurs so gradually, most people do not even realize they have receding gums until they can see the gaps or experience extreme tooth sensitivity. If your teeth appear longer than normal, it may be because the gums are pulled back and you can feel a notch or a small dent around the gum line. If you are noticing signs of gum recession, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. A dental professional can recommend a treatment plan that will prevent further gum tissue breakdown and take care of other oral health problems.

If you have gum recession that is a result of periodontal disease, a dental professional can provide a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup around the tooth and root surfaces below the gum line. In some cases, antibiotics are also administered to reduce harmful bacteria remaining the spaces between your teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease is the most common reason why patients experience loose teeth in the Irvine, CA region. Dr. Todd E. Miller and Dr. Steven J. Bounds are using state of the art laser therapy to successfully treat gum disease and strengthen the jaw bone so loose teeth are no longer a problem.

The signs of gum disease may seem subtle at first but can worsen and cause serious damage to the teeth and gums without professional periodontal treatment. Removing the bacteria that causes periodontal disease with daily brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent oral infections, along with regular dental checkups and cleanings.

If you already have periodontal disease, treating it early is key to preventing additional loss of gum tissue, bone, and teeth. Periodontal disease creates a harmful domino effect: once bacteria infect the gums, soft connective tissue starts to pull away from the tooth surfaces and supporting bone is destroyed, which puts teeth in danger of becoming lost. If teeth are lost, further bone loss follows because in order to stay healthy, bone depends on the stimulation that tooth roots provide.

For moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease, Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds use laser therapy. Laser is an effective way to kill bacteria between the teeth and gums without causing any significant harm to adjacent gum tissue. Laser also reinforces the jaw bone by stimulating new cell growth around existing teeth, greatly reducing the risk of tooth loss.

If teeth do fall out or require an extraction, further bone loss will occur because the roots of the teeth are naturally designed to stimulate and keep the jaw healthy. Using dental implants to replace missing teeth stops bone loss, as they are rooted in the jaw bone and designed to deliver the same stimulation as tooth roots.

If you are concerned about the health of your gums and they are tender, red, swollen, or bleeding, it could periodontal disease. Dr. Todd E. Miller and Dr. Steven J. Bounds treat patients with bleeding gums in the Irvine, CA region every day. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the mouth and is very treatable. Lifestyle habits and other causes can also be addressed.

Periodontal disease is caused by a steady growth of oral bacteria living under the gum line. In its earliest stages, bacteria will irritate gum tissue, causing it to bleed and feel sore. Getting rid of the bacteria as soon as possible is important because the condition will only become worse if left untreated. Periodontal disease will continue destroying gum tissue, attack healthy bone, and likely cause tooth loss without professional intervention. Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds provide extremely effective and gentle methods for treating periodontal disease.

The best way to help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections is to remove bacteria that grow in the mouth every day. Brushing, flossing, scraping the tongue, and cleanings with checkups are vital to maintain good oral health. Neglecting to take good care of your teeth and gums will increase the chance of developing symptoms.

If you have a medical condition, speak to your medical doctor. Sometimes health problems can make the gums tender and prone to bleeding. Medications can also play a role, including those for heart conditions, high blood pressure, and birth control. Over the counter analgesic medicine can also cause bleeding gums for some.

If you are pregnant or menopausal, hormonal changes could be causing you gums to bleed or feel irritated. Research shows such hormonal changes may also increase a womans chances of developing gum disease. Studies also show that premature babies or babies delivered underweight have been linked to pregnant women with gum disease.

A buildup of bacteria in the mouth will cause bad breath unless it is removed with good, daily oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and scrape the tongue daily, and visit maintain regular checkups and cleanings. Otherwise, gum disease may develop, causing even more damage to teeth and gums. Halitosis caused by gum disease will not go away on its own and requires professional periodontal treatment to avoid damage to teeth, gums, and bone. Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds offer a variety of treatments for gum disease, including contemporary, minimally invasive laser therapy.

Bad breath can be a symptom of illness elsewhere in the body or side effects of medications. Lung disease, kidney disease, digestive problems, diabetes, oral yeast, sinus infections, and other disorders can cause chronic halitosis, along with certain medications. Check with your medical doctor to discuss these possibilities.

Even the healthiest of foods, like fish, garlic, onions, spices, and cheese, can cause frequent bad breath when consumed regularly. Chewing gum, mints, brushing, and gargling may provide temporary odor relief but the food really needs to move through the body entirely before the smell goes away. Keeping a food diary can be helpful in determining whether your diet is causing bad breath. Tobacco is another culprit and it causes fatal disease. If you smoke or chew, make a point to stop. Tobacco also encourages plaque growth, which leads to gum disease.