Tracy Periodontal Disease

Dr. Katherine D. Sanchez is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Disease.


Q. What Causes Tooth Loss?

A. Tooth loss is caused by tooth decay (called cavities), gum disease (called periodontal disease) and trauma/accidents.  Tooth decay or cavities are a disease of the tooth and periodontal disease is disease of the gums and bones around the teeth. 
Based on the American Dental Association data, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.  Tooth decay is the second most common disease in the U.S., second only to the common cold.

Periodontal Disease (or gum disease) is an infection of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth.
It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.  It is classified according to the severity of the disease.  The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Q. What Causes Periodontal Diseases? And how Does Plaque Attack the Gums?

A. Plaque causes periodontal disease.  Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria, which constantly forms on teeth.  Plaque that is not removed can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed.  This condition is called gingivitis and most people get it once in a while.  In the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily.  There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage.  At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.  In short, gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. 

Gingivitis may lead to more serious destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.  When plaque is not removed (by daily brushing), it can harden into a rough, porous deposit called calculus or tartar.  It can only be removed when teeth are cleaned in the dental office.  If not removed (by visiting the dentist), the gums and bones that support the teeth can become seriously damaged.  The teeth become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Q. Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?

A. To prevent periodontal disease, it is important to have regular dental exams and cleanings every 6 months, brush (to remove the plaque bacteria), floss and eat a balanced diet.

Q. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?

A.
1.    Brush you teeth well twice a day. Choose toothpastes containing fluoride because fluoride helps prevent cavities.  In short, choose products (like toothpastes)  that bear the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness.  The Seal on a product is an assurance for consumers and dentists against misleading or untrue statements concerning a product’s safety and effectiveness.
2.    Floss or clean between your teeth daily to remove bacteria or particles your toothbrush can’t reach.  Flossing is important to prevent cavities from developing between teeth.
3.    Eat a balanced diet.  Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits, vegetables; meat; poultry and fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt.  Limit sweets.
4.    Visit your dentist regularly to catch cavities before it hurts and prevent gum disease.  This means exams and cleaning every 6 months.

Q. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?

A. Brush you teeth well twice a day.

Q. What kind of toothpaste should I use?

A. Choose toothpastes containing fluoride because fluoride helps prevent cavities.  In short, choose products (like toothpastes) that bear the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness.  The Seal on a product is an assurance for consumers and dentists against misleading or untrue statements concerning a product’s safety and effectiveness.

Q. How to contact Dr. Sanchez if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
2643 Naglee Road
Tracy, California 95304
Phone: 209-221-8838  
Email: tracycenter@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.tracycenterfordentistry.com/