Gum Disease

At Elliott.N.Abrams D.D.S, we focus on preventing gum disease, a common condition that can lead to bone and tooth loss. We offer exams to detect early signs and provide recommendations for prevention. If you're in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, schedule an appointment with us to protect your oral health.

Causes of Gum Disease (factors)

Plaque and tartar buildup: Irritates and inflames the gums, especially when trapped under the gum tissue.
Other risk factors: Pregnancy, diabetes, and smoking can restrict blood flow to the gums, leading to swelling.

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease and avoid discomfort

Brush teeth: Two to three times a day in a circular motion to remove food particles and plaque.
Floss daily: Reach all the way down between teeth, not just at the gum line.
Use antiseptic mouthwash.
Get teeth cleaned: At least twice per year to remove plaque and tartar.
Stop smoking.
Drink plenty of water.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Common signs of gum disease are:

Red and swollen gums
Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating anything crunchy
Teeth that appear to be getting longer, since this is a sign of gum recession
Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend that you call 213-353-4723 to schedule an examination with our dental office.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Standard teeth cleaning: Effective for early stages
Deep cleaning: For more advanced cases to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.
Antibiotic treatments: To control bacterial infection.
Surgical procedures: In severe cases, to restore gum health.
Periodontal infection therapy: Uses chemicals, like antiseptic mouth rinses, to slow gum disease and kill bacteria.

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Why You Could Need a Bone Graft Following Severe Gum Disease

Severe gum disease can significantly harm oral health. As it progresses, gums swell, recede, and pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and roots to bacterial attack. This also puts the jawbone at risk, potentially leading to a loss in bone density

If you suffer from bone loss, a bone grafting procedure may be needed. During this procedure, synthetic bone is placed in the affected area to promote new bone growth. This is crucial if the bone loss is severe enough to impact the health of other teeth or alter facial appearance. The necessity of this procedure depends on X-ray results. Early detection and treatment of gum disease can help prevent the need for bone grafting.

Schedule an Examination With our dental office

If you suspect that you may have gum disease because your gums are red, swollen, or receding, call our dental office right away. At Elliott.N.Abrams D.D.S, we can examine you, let you know if gum disease is present, and make recommendations regarding how to treat it.