At Cottage Dental in Fullerton, CA, we understand that dentistry is not only about achieving a beautiful smile or maintaining strong, healthy teeth; the health of your gums is just as important! Although the gums might not have the same aesthetic or functional roles as your teeth, these tissues provide a crucial foundation for your entire dental structure. In fact, without optimal gum health, the rest of your oral anatomy may be adversely affected. For this reason, we place a strong emphasis on the condition of your gum tissue and offer services to help maintain its condition.
If you’d like to learn more about gum health, we invite you to read below!
A Healthy Smile Starts With Healthy Gums!
What is the role of my gum tissue?
Gum tissue, also known as gingiva, is a soft and dense tissue that covers the alveolar bone and surrounds your teeth. Its main functions are to protect the vulnerable regions of the teeth and provide a natural seal around the dental arch—preventing food particles from becoming trapped out of reach and causing decay or infection.
Why is it important for my gums to be healthy?
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining not only your dental health but also your overall well-being. Unhealthy gums can lead to gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Moreover, studies have shown a link between gum disease and various systemic conditions—such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
By focusing on your gum health, you are taking a proactive approach to protecting not only your teeth but your entire body as well.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. It begins as gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis—more severe forms of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and irreversible damage to the jawbone.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Changes in bite or the way your teeth fit together
How Does Cottage Dental Manage Gum Health?
At Cottage Dental, our team recognizes the importance of gum health and places a significant focus on services designed to promote healthy gum tissue and prevent disease or recession. Among our talented team, a periodontist is available at our practice to perform specialty gum treatments as needed. The procedures we offer that impact gum health include the services listed below.
Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are a cornerstone of maintaining gum health at Cottage Dental. During these cleanings, our dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gum line, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Our hygienists also polish your teeth and provide personalized oral hygiene recommendations to help you maintain healthy gums at home.
Regular cleanings, usually performed every six months, are essential for maintaining gum health and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.
Laser Bacterial Reduction
At Cottage Dental, we incorporate the latest technology to ensure optimal gum health, including the use of the Solea laser for laser bacterial reduction. This advanced laser treatment targets and eliminates harmful bacteria within the pockets of your gums without causing discomfort. The Solea laser is both precise and efficient, allowing our team to sterilize the gum pockets and promote healing, all while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.
Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, are performed at Cottage Dental when gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. This non-surgical treatment involves the thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the tooth roots and below the gum line. Our skilled team will carefully clean the affected areas and resurface the tooth roots to promote reattachment of the gum tissue and reduce the depth of gum pockets.
Deep cleanings are essential for treating periodontal disease and preventing further damage to the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Perio Protect®
Cottage Dental is proud to offer Perio Protect—a non-invasive and effective treatment method to manage gum disease. Perio Protect uses customized trays designed to deliver prescribed medication directly to the gum pockets, targeting the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. The trays are comfortable and easy to use, making it simple to incorporate Perio Protect into your daily oral hygiene routine.
By consistently using this innovative treatment method, patients can reduce harmful bacteria, decrease inflammation, and ultimately improve their overall gum health. Our team at Cottage Dental will work with you to develop a personalized Perio Protect treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Our providers at Cottage Dental carefully examine your gums during routine appointments and will promptly inform you if any problems are detected, allowing us to address the issue before it progresses. Trust Cottage Dental with your gum health, and together, we can ensure a strong foundation for your beautiful smile. Call today to schedule!