By Arthur Kezian
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues in the United States. Since its severity varies on a large scale, often people don’t even come to know that they are suffering from the earlier stages of this disease. Studies say that every 3rd person in U.S.A is suffering from a stage of disease. Basically it is seen in adults, but nowadays it is also being seen in teens. However, it is not being seen on a large scale among teens, fortunately. Some studies from American Academy of Periodontology also say that half of Americans who are 30 or older are suffering from periodontitis, the more advanced and severe stage of this disease. When we combine all these stats together, we get a scaring number of 64.7 million adults who are suffering from this health issue. So it is necessary to learn more about it, for preventing it in the earlier stages.
Periodontal care Specialist Dr. Kezian strongly recommends you to know some common terms of this disease for better understanding of oral health issues. The understanding of these terms will also help you better understanding the conversation between you and your doctor. These terms are:
Periodontal Disease:
- Periodontal Disease is nothing but the synonym of gum disease.
- The infection starts when colonies of plaque start building up and multiply along with your gum-line.
- As infection increases, the amount of plaque also increases.
- Severity can lead to several complicated oral health problems; for example: cavities, loose teeth, sensitive teeth and even tooth loss.
Gingivitis:
- This is an initial stage of the Periodontal Disease.
- Symptoms include gum bleeding and swollen gums basically. Gums also become sensitive. Bleeding will occur especially while brushing.
- You may also see deep purple or red gum tissue.
Periodontitis:
- Periodontitis is known as the severe stage of Periodontal Disease.
- In this stage, the gums and teeth disconnect and all connective tissues get destroyed.
- After reaching this stage, the teeth loosen or eventually fallout from the mouth.
Periodontal Pockets:
- As the name suggests, a Periodontal Pocket is the place where the infection resides.
- When the infection begins, the plaque starts separating the gums and tooth roots. The space formed from this separation is known as a periodontal pocket.
- As the infection grows, periodontal pockets become deeper.
- With the growth of an infection, connective tissues between your teeth and gums get destroyed and the teeth start becoming looser in the gum sockets.
- Severity can lead to tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planning:
- Scaling and Root Planning is the most effective treatment for periodontal disease.
- By making use of special dental tools, Dr. Kezian and Staff will clean out the periodontal pockets and remove the infection. This process is known as scaling.
- Scaling is also known as Deep Cleaning.
- After completion of scaling, Dr. Kezian will begin the process of root planning. This process will make your rough and damaged tooth roots smoother and cleaner.
- The smooth and clean tooth roots will encourage the connectivity again and will also discourage bacteria from attacking again.
If you are suffering from any stage of Periodontal Disease, please feel free to contact the most trusted periodontal care specialist ofLos Angeles, Dr. Kezian. You can contact us directly from our contact page.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777