Periodontics

• This dental specialty focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of structural and functional membrane disease concerning the periodontal membrane and other related tissues that surround the teeth and support them. This includes disease of the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone that hold the teeth in place. If these structures are weakened by bacteria and infection a person risks losing their one and only set of teeth. Patients with severe Periodontal Disease have very sensitive gums, loose teeth, high amounts of bacteria, and bad breath. Teeth loose the foundation that keeps them nice and strong and eventually, without proper dental care, become so weak that they fall out. This affects daily life as far as eating and speaking properly. It also changes a person's facial appearance by causing more wrinkles and a difference in facial shape by weakening the appearance of the jaw. If Periodontal disease persists, the plaque and bacteria tend to also form around vital structures, penetrate into the blood stream and can actually be a very serious precursor to other diseases like high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes and possibly death.

Periodontal or Gum Disease

Most people who suffer from tooth loss do so because of periodontal disease caused by poor oral hygiene, bad diet, high amounts of stress, and possibly having a genetic disposition to being able to host harmful bacteria. It is estimated that approximately 80% of adults these days have some degree of gum disease ranging from mild gingivitis to the advanced stages of periodontal disease. Gum disease can exist without the person even realizing it because it’s generally not painful and it can progress unnoticed by its host. This is why they call it a silent disease similar to diabetes and cancer.

Symptoms of gum disease: 

• Swollen, puffy and/or red gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Gums bleed while brushing or flossing
• Exudate (pus) oozing from gums
• Loose teeth

If you have any of these symptoms call Stephen M. Klein, DDS in Bakersfield to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Flossing is Vital

We hate to be alarmists but flossing your teeth on a regular basis can actually save your life! The results of recent medical research provide some shocking facts about gum disease. Researchers found that strokes, heart attacks, cancer, diabetes and even premature births are more associated with chronic ongoing inflammation in the body than with other causes like genetics. The truth is that GUM DISEASE is the most common source of chronic ongoing inflammation in the body. The association between gum disease, strokes and heart disease is continuing to be studied but there is already strong evidence that healthy gums can actually lead to a healthy heart, body, and lifestyle