Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. A few of the symptoms of gingivitis are swollen gums, gums that are bright-red or purple and easily bleed, and severe oral odor. If left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, or inflammation around the teeth. We at Dr. Reza Kasiri, DDS clinic in San Diego perform dental surgery for serious dental concerns. We check and treat gingivitis before it even advances to periodontitis, a serious condition that can lead to other severe health concerns.

Periodontitis is mainly caused by bacterial plaque on teeth. Plaque is composed of bacteria, mucus and other particles. If periodontitis is not treated, the bacteria become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. In this way, periodontal disease can be a risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular disease and premature birth or the low birth weight of babies. Once bacteria travels through the bloodstream, it reaches the arteries and may cause small blood clots that aggravate clogged arteries. This also causes a build-up of fatty deposits within the arteries. Pregnant women have a seven times greater chance of having a premature or low birth weight baby as a result.

There are other risk factors for periodontal disease, too. Smoking causes the gums to deteriorate. Hormonal changes in girls or women can make gums more sensitive and thus more prone to gingivitis. Diabetes is also a risk factor because of the high risk of developing infections. Stress is also a big factor because under stress, the body finds it more difficult to fight infections. These are only a few of risk factors that can lead to periodontal disease.

The Dr. Reza Kasiri, DDS dental clinic in San Diego is promoting proper brushing because it is a simple, easy and harmless way to prevent all these serious diseases from happening. People should not be content with a perfect smile; rather, people should aim for a perfectly healthy smile. A perfectly healthy smile is free from the risk of diseases that can be painful, costly and even life-threatening.

Our clinics are open to you; go for regular checkups to prevent and treat oral health problems like gum diseases before they get out of control. Visit us because a good healthy smile is the way to go.