Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the inflammatory conditions that affect your gums. Dr. Khoubnazar provides periodontal care at her Santa Monica dental practice, Smiles Santa Monica.

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when bacteria collect along your gumline, releasing toxins that cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth. In many cases, bacteria are accompanied by a protective layer of hard tartar that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing.

As the gum tissue moves away from the tooth surface, more of the tooth is exposed to bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria reach the tooth roots, forming pockets around the roots that weaken the tooth structure and cause tooth loss. In the U.S., periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

In the earliest stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, there may be few symptoms. As the disease progresses, your gums may become red and tender and bleed when brushed. A growing population of bacteria can result in chronic bad breath.

Eventually, teeth may feel weak or even fall out. Having regular dental checkups is the best way to catch gum disease in the early stages when it’s easiest to treat successfully.

Aside from regular dental visits to look for signs of disease, Dr. Khoubnazar performs dental cleanings to help prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar that can shelter harmful bacteria. If you have a more advanced form of periodontal disease, Dr. Khoubnazar uses advanced deep-cleaning techniques called scaling and root planing to reach beneath the gumline where bacteria hides. Scaling and root planing use special instruments to carefully clean around roots so teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.

Additionally, Dr. Khoubnazar offers advice on the important things you can do at home to prevent gum disease, like using proper brushing and flossing techniques to prevent plaque from forming at your gumline and between your teeth. She also talks to you about your diet and how it may affect the environment in your mouth and provides a recommendation on the changes you can make to improve your diet for better oral and physical health.

You can prevent complications related to gum disease with regular visits to Smiles Santa Monica. To schedule an appointment today for an evaluation and cleaning, call the office or use the online booking feature.