October 15, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Smyle Dental Bakersfield is marking National Dental Hygiene Month this October by including a periodontal screening in every routine hygiene visit at its office. The observance, led each year by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association with sponsor Colgate, recognizes the work of dental hygienists and the role of routine preventive visits.

During a periodontal screening, a hygienist or dentist measures the depth of the small pockets between the gums and teeth and checks for bleeding, a process known as periodontal charting. The measurements are recorded at each visit so the dental team can track changes in gum tissue over time. Findings are reviewed by the dentist, who determines whether further evaluation is needed.

“Hygiene visits are where changes in gum health are noticed and recorded,” said David Zaghi, DDS, lead dentist at Smyle Dental. “During Dental Hygiene Month, the office is focused on making sure every cleaning includes a full gum screening.”

Gum disease is common among American adults. A study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in The Journal of the American Dental Association in 2018 and based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2009 through 2014, found that 42.2% of U.S. adults age 30 and older had periodontitis, and 7.8% had severe periodontitis. The CDC reports that about 60% of adults 65 and older had periodontitis during that period. The CDC notes that periodontal disease often develops without pain, which is one reason the agency recommends regular dental checkups.

The CDC identifies several risk factors for periodontal disease, including smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, stress, heredity, crooked teeth, a weakened immune system and certain medications. Among current smokers 30 and older, about 62% had periodontitis during 2009 through 2014, according to the agency. The agency also reports that the condition becomes more common with age. Routine hygiene visits give the dental team a recurring opportunity to document gum tissue findings for patients with these risk factors.

According to the CDC, gingivitis is a reversible condition in which the gums become red, swollen and prone to bleeding, while the bone loss that marks periodontitis cannot be reversed. The agency lists bleeding gums, loose or sensitive teeth, painful chewing and receding gums among possible signs of gum disease. It also identifies periodontitis and cavities as the two leading causes of tooth loss.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association describes dental hygienists as licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases. In California, registered dental hygienists are licensed by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. The association’s 2026 observance centers on the theme “The Power of Us,” highlighting collaboration between hygienists, dentists and the communities they serve.

Smyle Dental operates two offices led by Zaghi, a graduate of the USC School of Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society. The office provides general, restorative, cosmetic and emergency dentistry, along with periodontal care. Appointments at the office are scheduled on weekdays. The office keeps same-day appointment slots for pain, swelling and breakages, according to its website.

Location and hours are listed on the Google Business Profile for Smyle Dental Bakersfield. Additional information about the observance is available from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health decisions.

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For more information about Smyle Dental Bakersfield, contact the company here:

Smyle Dental Bakersfield
Dr. David Zaghi
16614939040
smyledentalgroup@gmail.com
2016 E St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

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