Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease has two primary stages. If diagnosed and treated in the first stage, the condition can be reversed and tooth loss can usually be prevented. In order to prevent gum disease,practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year.
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the name for more advanced periodontal disease and if permitted to progress to this point, not only the gums are affected but the bone structures supporting the teeth will be compromised.
A build-up of bacteria causes Gingivitis. In its early stages, inflammation around the gums is observable, with gum tissues appearing red and swollen. Gums that are easily irritated or that bleed during tooth brushing indicate the presence of Gingivitis. Removal of the plaque buildup is necessary to prevent the development of gum disease.
As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal pockets. Food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection. The surrounding bone becomes damaged both by bacterial toxins and by the immune systemsresponse to infection.
Vanessa Castro, DDS, is a licensed dentist at Newbury Dental in Brookfield, Connecticut. Her areas of specialty includegeneral and cosmetic dentistry, as well as dental sleep medicine, and her overriding goal is to provide the best care in a healthy and safe office setting.
The team offers expert care in such areas of cosmetic dentistry as teeth whitening, Invisalign teeth alignment, and veneers, and for other oral health issues like TMJ disorder and the need for dental crowns and dentures. They also offer emergency dentistry for ill-timed developments.
A native of Piscataway, New Jersey, Dr. Castro earned her bachelors degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She then crossed the country to attend the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for dental school.
Upon completion of dental school, Dr. Castro completed a hospital-based general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. After falling in love with the area, Dr. Castro decided to make Connecticut her home.
Dr. Castro is an active member of the American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
When shes not practicing dental medicine, Dr. Castro enjoys spending time with her husband, relaxing with her fur babies, reading, and strength training. An avid baker, Dr. Castro is even known to take requests from patients for her famous gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and pecan sugar cookies.