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Children may be at an increased risk of suffering from periodontal disease often due to inadequate oral hygiene or genetics. Our specialist for dental implants in Los Angeles recommends routine dental care, frequent professional cleanings and careful attention to dental hygiene in order to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Chronic gingivitis is one of the more common types of periodontal disease that can affect children. Gums may swell, bleed easily and become inflamed. Gingivitis is best avoided by regular brushing, flossing and professional care. Children may need to be carefully monitored until excellent dental hygiene habits have been well established. They should brush at least two minutes, and they may benefit from electric toothbrushes if they lack adequate fine motor skills.

Kids are also at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis during adolescence. As their hormones begin to fluctuate and increase during puberty, sensitive gum tissue can be affected. Heavy plaque and tartar buildup can aggravate the condition and even loosen teeth.

If your child experiences bleeding during brushing or flossing, has receding gums or chronic bad breath that is not alleviated by brushing and flossing, your child may have periodontal disease. Because periodontal disease can lead to significant dental health complications, early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

The best strategy is one that focuses on prevention. Model good dental habits to your children, and schedule regular dental exams and cleanings for them. Monitor your child’s dental health, and contact our office if you see any signs of concerns. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

The hormonal changes women experience throughout their lives may leave them more prone to developing periodontal disease. Our Los Angeles dental implant specialist recommends that women become aware of their unique risk factors and take a proactive approach to periodontal disease in order to avoid the many risks associated with the condition.

The hormonal changes of puberty and during menstrual periods can increase the risk of gingivitis. Increase circulation can heighten gum sensitivity and lead to increased reactions to irritants, such as plaque buildup or small particles. Gums may swell, turn red and even become tender. In most cases, gums return to normal once a woman’s period ends.

Pregnancy can also increase the risk of developing gingivitis. The cause of pregnancy-related gingivitis is similar to that associated with menstruation, but the consequences can be quite severe. Women who have pregnancy-related gingivitis face an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth or other adverse outcomes. Increased attention to dental hygiene and regular dental checkups can help women limit their risks.

Although a woman’s reproductive years end with menopause, the risks to her gums do not. Hormonal changes can lead to increased gum irritation, dry mouth, burning mouth and altered taste sensations. Improved dental hygiene can help reduce the risk of gum disease, but it may not be enough to manage these symptoms. Women who are going through menopause should discuss their treatment options with our dentist to ensure continued good dental health.

Contact us today to learn about your periodontal disease risk factors and schedule your evaluation.

Periodontal disease is generally a slow-moving infection that often has few noticeable symptoms until it has advanced and caused significant damage throughout the oral cavity. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to receding gums, loose or lost teeth and decreased bone density. Our Los Angeles dental implants specialist recommends that our patients become familiar with the symptoms, which can help them seek care earlier when the condition is at its most treatable stage and may even be reversible.

A Change in Your Gums

Your gums may appear red or swollen, they may bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed and they may feel tender or sensitive. In advanced cases, your gums may recede or pull away from your teeth, and there may be pockets of pus between them and your teeth.

A Change in Your Teeth

Your teeth may feel loose, and you may notice gaps or changes in the way they fit together. Your bite may shift, or your dentures may no longer fit comfortably.

Other Changes

Persistent bad breath or mouth sores can also indicate the presence of periodontal disease.

Pregnant women, people with diabetes and smokers may all be at an increased risk of periodontal disease. Your best prevention strategies include brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily and professional cleanings and exams at least twice a year. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, our dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure, and treatment options will vary based on the extent of the disease. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that is caused by the bacteria contained in plaque. These bacteria create toxic byproducts that irritate the gums, which can then become inflamed. If the plaque is not removed so that the gums have a chance to heal, the inflammation can become chronic. The immune system responds by breaking down the gums and bone. Our Los Angeles dental implant specialist, Dr. Afar, recommends good dental hygiene and regular dental care, which can help reduce the risk of developing periodontitis.

Many people miss the early signs of gum disease, but as the condition progresses, pockets of infection develop between the gums and the teeth. These pockets can be difficult to clean, and plaque and tartar can build up between the teeth and the gums. If periodontitis is not discovered and treated, teeth can loosen and even require extraction. The infection can progress even deeper into the oral cavity and damage the jawbone.

Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of the condition. Gums may become not just inflamed but may also recede from the teeth. Periodontitis can also occur alongside certain systemic illnesses, including diabetes or heart disease. In some cases, genetics can increase an otherwise-healthy person’s risk and cause aggressive periodontitis.

Periodontitis often begins quietly and subtly. The best way to reduce your risk of developing this dental health-threatening condition is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit our dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning and dental exam. Contact us today to schedule your next checkup with Dr. Afar.

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissues. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a serious gum condition that can cause infection, bone loss and tooth loss. Gingivitis often has few symptoms, but it is easily prevented. Our Los Angeles dental implants specialist recommends becoming familiar with the condition so that you can act quickly to stop its progression.

CAUSES

Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a colorless film that adheres to teeth and contains bacteria that can damage the teeth and gums. Although some people are more prone to gingivitis due to genetic factors, most of us develop gingivitis due to inadequate dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily can help keep plaque under control and reduce your risk of gum disease.

SYMPTOMS

You may be likely to experience inflamed gums, gums that are swollen or gums that bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed.

TREATMENT

Good dental hygiene will help you get back on the right track. Our periodontist, Dr. Afar, will perform a comprehensive exam. A deep cleaning may be recommended to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline. Developing and maintaining excellent hygiene habits and using antimicrobials or other treatments as prescribed can help restore your gum health and get you back on the road to good dental health.

Give us a call today to schedule your next checkup or professional cleaning with Dr. Afar.

1. Tobacco use
Smokers and other tobacco users are extremely susceptible to gum disease. Limiting or quitting smoking is the best way to mitigate this risk.

2. Genetics
Aggressive periodontal disease can affect otherwise-healthy people and is often linked to genetics. Research reveals that this susceptibility may be alleviated with early interventions and preventative treatments.

3. Age
People over 35 are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, and that risk continues to increase with age. In fact, nearly three-fourths of those over 65 have periodontitis.

4. Medications
Oral contraceptives, some heart medications and some anti-depressants can increase the risk of gum sensitivity and leave you more prone to periodontal disease.

5. Systemic diseases
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and other systemic conditions can lead to chronic, widespread inflammation and increase your risk of periodontal disease.

6. Obesity or nutritional inadequacies
A lack of nutrients can leave your body less able to combat infection. Poor nutrition does not necessarily cause periodontal disease, but it can make it harder for your body to heal the initial infection, which can lead to more severe forms of the condition.

7. Stress
Stress can be a risk factor in periodontal disease because it compromises your body’s ability to fight infection. It can also lead to bruxism, or tooth grinding, which weakens both the teeth and gums.

Contact our specialist for dental implant in Los Angeles for more information or to schedule your consultation.

Gum disease has several stages, and the mildest stage, or gingivitis, is generally considered the most treatable. Frequently linked to poor dental hygiene, gingivitis can be treated and reversed through professional care and proper dental hygiene. Gingivitis can leave gums swollen, puffy, inflamed and fragile. They may bleed when teeth are flossed or brushed. Factors that can increase the risk of gum disease include hormonal fluctuations, diabetes, smoking, genetics, systemic conditions, stress, substance abuse, poor nutrition and HIV infection

Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can deteriorate into periodontitis. The plaque can spread along the gumline while the bacteria in plaque infect the gums. As the body attempts to fight the infection, gum, teeth and bones can be broken down. As the gums pull away from teeth, further pockets of infection can develop, which extends the area of destruction. Symptoms may be few and mild, but people with periodontitis may experience chronic bad breath, loose teeth and pain. Several types of periodontitis exist and may require specialized treatment in order to stabilize the gums and prevent further damage. They include:

• Aggressive periodontitis, which often attacks otherwise-healthy patients
• Chronic periodontitis, which is the most common type of periodontitis
• Necrotizing periodontal disease, which is linked to HIV and other conditions that weaken the immune system

A comprehensive periodontal evaluation should be performed on patients every year to identify early signs of gum disease. Our Los Angeles dental implant specialist may recommend preventative strategies or suggest treatment options at this evaluation. Good dental hygiene, professional cleanings and biannual dental checkups can also help you keep your teeth and gums in great shape. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

According to the CDC, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an infection in the gum tissues. Oral bacteria live in dental plaque, and when it is not properly removed, it inflames the gums.

Early symptoms may not be readily noticed, and it can be easy to miss the signs until the condition has advanced. However, over time, the gums, bones and supporting tissues can all be affected. Gums may begin to recede, pockets of infection can develop between the gums and the roots of the teeth, and teeth can become loose. Our Los Angeles dental implant specialist recommends that our patients monitor their teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and visit us regularly for more comprehensive exams designed to catch the condition at its earliest when it is most easily and effectively treated.

Symptoms of gum disease include gums that bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed, inflamed or tender gums, swollen gums or gums that are pulling away from teeth or receding. Chronic bad breath, pockets of pus around the teeth and gums, loose teeth, a shift in bite or shifting alignment can also indicate the presence of gum disease.

Regular brushing and flossing, routine dental exams, professional cleanings and annual comprehensive periodontal evaluations can help catch early symptoms of gum disease. Maintaining good periodontal health can help save your smile. Contact us today to schedule your next checkup with our Los Angeles dental implant specialist.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and performing cosmetic periodontal procedures. A periodontist may also place dental implants, which are an option for tooth replacement. Training is extensive and includes three years of education and training beyond dental school.

Because periodontal disease may range from mild to severe or affect those who have other health problems as well, periodontists may perform a variety of treatments. Scaling and root planing may be used to clean the teeth and remove damaged tissue from the surface of the root. Surgical procedures may be used to treat more severe infections or periodontitis.

If you suffer from gum disease, our periodontist will perform a comprehensive exam that includes a complete medical and dental history in order to better understand your current condition and provide you with the most appropriate treatments possible. Certain medications or health conditions may adversely affect gum health or increase the risk of post-procedure complications. Our periodontist will then examine your gums for signs of recession, check your bite and measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, or the spaces between the teeth and gums. X-rays may also be necessary to provide a more thorough picture of your periodontal health.

Although many patients can continue seeing general dentists for their dental care needs, those who have signs of periodontal disease can benefit from a periodontist’s expertise. Periodontal disease has been closely linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other major health conditions, but proper treatment can improve patient outcomes. Contact our Los Angeles dental implants specialist to learn more or to schedule your consultation.