Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. We at All Coast Dental dedicate our time and expertise to educating our patients about good oral health. Your Pacific, CA dentist will help you achieve that smile you’ve been longing for.

If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.

Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

- Chronic stress

- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers

- Poor nutrition

- Fluctuating hormones

- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV

- Teeth grinding

- Crooked or crowded teeth

- Tobacco use

- Genetics

Do you have bleeding gums? Come in for a visit so we can check your mouth and begin you on a treatment plan. All Coast Dental is located at 2180 Garnet Ave., Suite 1-K, in Pacific, CA 92109. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit allcoastdental.net or call 858-270-4904.

 

Aggressive Periodontal Disease

If you’re spitting a bit of pink in the sink while brushing your teeth then you may not be brushing enough. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gingivitis and though gingivitis is reversible, if left untreated it will advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect one or many teeth and will cause inflammation around the tooth. Some people are more prone to periodontal disease than others, but our doctors at All Coast Dental encourage all of our patients to practice prevention.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. If periodontitis is ignored the teeth may become loose and/or fall out. Periodontitis will cause the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth, forming large pockets. Bacteria leftover from food will then invade these pockets and infect the area. Periodontitis begins with plaque, so if your dental health is still in optimal condition, keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Do you taste iron after you’ve chewed something tough or sticky? Do you see blood when you spit? These problems, caused by gingivitis, affect a lot of people, but they should not be accepted as normal. Gingivitis indicates health problems which could become more serious if they are not addressed.

Gingivitis is the result of acids produced by bacteria when they feed. Bacteria are present in a healthy mouth, but problems arise when they grow out of control. This can occur if there is a large amount of sugar available to them. The acids stick to plaque, the sticky substance on the outside of teeth which hardens into tartar. Trapped acid irritates the surrounding gum tissue, causing it to swell and turn red and making it bleed easily.

Most patients can combat gingivitis by brushing their teeth more regularly, although it is important that they do so for two full minutes during each session and that they only use soft-bristled toothbrushes (hard-bristled toothbrushes cause bruising). But patients cannot clean under their gum lines and require deep cleanings from professional dentists and hygienists to remove plaque on this level. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis and should be especially sure to keep regular appointments.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

The Three Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three types that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at All Coast Dental twice a year to avoid them. 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – Some patients with untreated gingivitis will subsequently develop periodontitis. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


•  Advanced Periodontitis – This is a significant cause of tooth loss.  In this later stage of the disease, there is destruction of the fibers and bone supporting your teeth. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation of any kind, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.