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Studies have shown that diet is very important to gum health. But first, here is the run down on what most people don’t know about their oral health. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and is difficult to treat. Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away.

Periodontitis fast facts

• Periodontitis is when the gum disease has been left untreated as gingivitis and has become more severe.
• Periodontitis can lead to bone loss under teeth as well as teeth themselves.
• Treatments are often required by a trained periodontist.
• Symptoms of periodontitis include:
  • Puss between teeth and gums
  • Gums pulling away from teeth
  • Permanent teeth becomes loose

  Take baby steps.

  A visit to your dentist is the first step. Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums. Continuing to eat these foods after your gums heal may help prevent future mouth problems as well.

  Get all your vitamin intakes, especially vitamin C.
  Vitamin C helps encourage healing and maintenance of healthy gum tissues. Your gums can become inflamed and begin to bleed if you are deficient of this vitamin. Oranges are a top source of vitamin C and adding one a day will help provide enough of this essential vitamin to heal your gums.

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Every 6 months your teeth may need deep cleaning with a General Dentist where your General Dentist can extract a cavity if one is present. However, when you need more than just a simple tooth extraction, your General Dentist may refer you to a specialist with an extended education in the field of oral health, a Periodontist.

Understand the difference between your general dentist and a periodontal specialist.

A General Dentist can treat gum disease through routine cleanings, scaling and deep cleaning. A General Dentist can even extract your cavity and prescribing antibiotic medications for pain management if needed. When to visit a General Dentist:

• Regular dentist check ups
• Bi-monthly cleaning
• Standard x-rays
• Filling cavities
• Root canals
• Standard tooth extractions
• Crown or bridges
• Some cosmetic procedures (bonding and whitening)
• Pediatric care
• Non-surgical periodontal care

A Periodontal Specialist has extended education in the periodontium which focuses on the soft tissues and bones. Periodontists are needed for advanced cases of gum diseases or periodontitis. They are often presented with bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth and mouth pain. But since the main difference between a dentist and a Peridontist is the soft tissue specialty, your dentist might not be able to help you if your gums are in bad shape. Severe cases of periodontitis or gingivitis can lead to health problems like diabetes and heart diseases – and even cancer.

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Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

We know you hear this over and over again, time after time, but no kidding that this is the golden rule when it comes to warding off infections. Cleanliness is paramount when bacteria is roaming around practically everywhere in your mouth. If the site of impact is not kept as sterile as possible, bacteria will have the chance to flourish. A simple mix of warm water and salt should do the trick for the treated areas. Rinsing your mouth with a mild mouthwash is also recommended so that your mouth will not become overly dry. Also, if you remember to brush after each meal you’ll be set for life.

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Oral health is essential to general health and quality of life. It is a state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, gum diseases, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well being. Get the general facts on the nation’s leading diseases and prevent yourself from getting severe periodontal disease. For more information on preventative care or to check if you are at risk, please contact us at (213) 250-7554 and schedule a consultation with periodontist David Kao.

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