Protect your health with treatment for gum disease in Manhattan Beach

Gum disease can wreak havoc on your health, and it’s more than just bad breath and tooth loss. When your body is constantly fighting infection, it adds stress to your immune system and can increase your risk of heart disease. Dr. Mungcal offers a variety of treatment plans for gum disease in Manhattan Beach, and the sooner you seek treatment, the more gum disease solutions you can choose from.

Stages of gum disease

As plaque builds up in your mouth, it can harden into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. The tarter provides shelter for bacteria to infect your gums, causing inflammation that makes them more prone to bleeding. This stage is known as gingivitis, and it can be reversed without permanent damage.

If left untreated, your gums will start to pull away from your teeth and leave pockets that can collect debris, allowing bacteria to spread below the gum line, where it can infect the tooth root. This advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontal disease, and while you can still treat it, the damage caused can’t be reversed.

Risk Factors for gum disease

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, but other factors can put you at a higher risk of gum disease, no matter how well you take care of your teeth. Things like genetics and stress play a role in your oral health. Gum disease can also be caused by bad habits like smoking or drinking sodas. The older you get, the higher your risk factor.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, like cholesterol or Parkinson’s medication. The less saliva you have in your mouth, the more hospitable it becomes for bacteria.

Personalized treatment for gum disease

While professional cleaning and root scaling can help, it’s not always enough. Dr. Mungcal will use DNA testing to identify which kind of bacteria is growing in your mouth and personalize a treatment plan that will effectively rid your mouth of harmful microbes that can destroy your gums and teeth.

The early symptoms of gum disease are easy to miss, and without regular cleanings and check-ups, the infection can spread quickly and lead to irreversible tissue and bone loss. Contact us at 310-340-6663 today for gum disease treatment in Manhattan Beach.