Flower logo for Anne-Lise Fink, DDS
Roots Dental Studio
Anne-Lise Fink, DDS Logo
3365 Clayton Rd., Concord, CA 94519
Call 925-602-9777

Gum Disease

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums are generally pink and anchor the teeth firmly in place. Healthy gums do not bleed or hurt during normal brushing and flossing.

Early forms of gum disease can easily be treated and reversed with daily brushing and flossing and dental checkups every 6 months. Roots Dental Studio can get you on your way to healthy gums. All you need to do is call 925-602-9777 or request an appointment online and come in for a visit. Your gums will be glad you did!

Healthy Gums

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which gradually leads to the destruction of the support of your natural teeth. This disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.

Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Bacteria found in plaque produce enzymes and toxins which injure the gums. Injured gums turn red, swell and bleed easily.

If this injury is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form.

Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (tartar).

This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds the teeth in place deteriorate.

If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. Pain is usually not present until damage from this disease is very advanced.

Woman getting her teeth checked

Periodontal Health Effects

Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions.

Research further suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk for heart disease, more so than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender or age.

Researcher's conclusions suggest that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once bacteria reaches the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue causing arterial plaque, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow.

Stages Of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes and other plaque byproducts by irritating the gums, making them tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily. Gingivitis generally can be stopped with proper oral hygiene and minor treatment from your dentist. If this is achieved, your gums can return to a healthy state.

Periodontitis

Moderate gum disease is when the tooth's bone tissue starts to deteriorate. Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows more plaque to collect below the gum line. This causes the roots of the teeth to become susceptible to decay. Generally, patients notice an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold and to touch.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis occurs when a major amount of gum and bone tissue has been lost and the teeth are losing more and more support due to the loss of periodontal ligament and bone. Some teeth are unable to be saved and must be extracted. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can cause severe health problems elsewhere in the body.

Sensitivity

Suppress the urge to avoid cleaning teeth that are sensitive to cold! Teeth that have suffered damage from gum disease will always be more sensitive to cold. Avoiding them only makes it worse.

After any dental treatment, teeth may become sensitive. This is their way of letting you know that they've been injured. Any injury (cavity, tooth clenching/grinding, gum infection) can injure the nerves in a tooth. This should not last long if the teeth are kept clean. If the teeth are not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain or get worse.

If your teeth are especially sensitive, consult with your dentist. This could be a sign of the need for root canal treatment, a gum tissue graft, a desensitizing toothpaste (with potassium nitrate), or a concentrated fluoride gel (0.4% stannous- or 1.1% sodium-fluoride) may do the trick.

Dr. Fink, the ladies who work with Dr. Fink and sammy made my visit so comfortable, I was relaxed the entire visit. I was so encouraged when Dr. Fink discussed different procedures for me, im excited for my next visit, i really miss my smile, with Dr. Fink i believe i will have my smile again. Thank you to the entire staff for your warm wonderful welcome and visit.

DemandForce Review Robin

Most caring dentist I have ever been to in my life. And the staff is also very kind and supportive. Thanks for being my dentist.

DemandForce Review McKenzie

The dental care services at Anne-Lise Fink DDS is always of the highest quality. Their attention to every detail and thoroughness leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend their dental care.

DemandForce Review Bruce

A Beautiful Smile Is
Waiting For You!

Do you need dental work done? Requesting an appointment is available online 24/7 and is as simple as submitting a simple form.

Online Appointment Request

We offer both single-visit teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits to brighten stained, discolored, or dull looking teeth.

925-602-9777