Bleeding gums is the first sign of gum disease. It may be accompanied with swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli, abscess formation and moving teeth. Malodor can also be present. The gums often feel tender to touch and patients cannot chew normally. Unfortunately, not all types of periodontal disease present as such. In fact, people who have high threshold of pain, do not recall or experience any of these signs and therefore, when the disease continues to progress, by the time it is noticed, the disease has gone its severe course and teeth has to be pulled.

It is important to understand that periodontal disease can be prevented. Through thorough comprehensive periodontal examination, patients can be informed whether the disease is present or not. Management/treatment of this condition includes non-surgical and surgical means to remove the etiologic factors associated with periodontal disease such as subgingivalcalcular deposits, plaque and bacteria. Then it is stressed that strict maintenance recall visits should be performed in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Aside from bacterial elimination as treatment of periodontal disease, esthetic enhancements on teeth and implants have been the center of contemporary periodontics in the recent years. Contemporary periodontics has witnessed the continued emergence of sophisticated techniques to resolve esthetic concerns through periodontal plastic surgery.

In our multi-disciplinary practice, careful treatment planning and diagnosis of all cases are discussed amongst (as needed) qualified general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists and orthodontists to provide the patient with a good, impressive results that we know our patients will be happy to have and DESERVE to have.

Health & Leisure is a partner of the clinic of Dra. Regina Santos-Morales. For inquiries and to get a free estimate for dental treatments, you may contact us via email at info@healthandleisure.net, or via our phone numbers at (632) 813-4527 and 1 (818) 748-8735.


Written by
Regina Isabel B. Santos-Morales, DMD
Diplomate, American Academy of Periodontology