Deer Park Texas: Gum Disease

Gum disease or also known as “periodontal disease” is a serious bacterial infection that damages the attachment fibers and the supporting bone that holds the teeth in the mouth. Periodontal disease (the word “periodontal” as a mater of fact means “around the tooth”) if left untreated can lead to tooth loss or can lead to heart problems like artery blockage or stroke. Periodontal disease has three forms: Gingivitis, Periodontics and Advanced Periodontics.

Chronic inflammation is nothing to take lightly, it can be deadly. If you have red, swollen gums or if they bleed when you brush your teeth, you have an inflammation and gum disease. Gum disease is inflammation that has gone unchecked. It can lead to inflammation throughout the body and be life threatening.

Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis ,cancer, and many other diseases you don’t want. What happens is, bacteria from your mouth gets into the blood stream when your gums are inflamed and travel throughout your whole body. With diabetes on the rise, it’s important to know that gum inflammation makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

The first stage, gingivitis, may be hard to notice because people usually experience little to no discomfort. However, the gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits — simply not brushing and flossing enough. This milder stage of gum disease is usually reversible if you visit us or through revised brushing and flossing habits.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very prevalent problem that affects nearly everyone on the planet at some point in their lives. It is initially distinguished by red, bleeding, or irritated gums produced by plaque buildup. If left untreated, this illness can proceed to periodontitis, which can affect the jawbone, cause gum recession, and possibly tooth loss. Untreated gum disease has also been related to heart disease and stroke, making it critical to control the illness in order to safeguard your oral and general health.

Both “periodontal disease” and “gum disease” refer to different degrees of inflammation or infection of the soft gum tissue. While poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and heredity.

Gum disease is classified into three stages by dental health professionals:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the most common type of gum disease, is caused by a buildup of bacteria around the gums, which results in a sticky tartar. If you resume a normal brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning/exam schedule, the consequences of gum disease are usually reversible at this early stage.

Periodontitis

Unfortunately, once gum disease reaches this level, it cannot be reversed because permanent damage to periodontal tissues begins. Periodontitis occurs when an infection has gone into the bone and soft tissue, causing a pus pocket between the teeth and gums. Teeth may start to peel away from the gums, causing the gums to recede. Please keep in mind that, while periodontitis cannot be cured, it can be controlled.

Advanced Periodontitis

The gap between the gums and the teeth has become so large at this point that the teeth may begin to loosen or fall out. When you reach this degree of infection, you are more likely to develop systemic disorders associated with advanced gum disease, some of which can be fatal (e.g., diabetes, stroke, and heart disease). The condition, like less advanced periodontitis, can be managed to lessen discomfort and severity of symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Depending on the degree of severity, gum disease symptoms may include:

• Gum bleeding
• Gums that are swollen and bulging
• Soreness
• Teeth that are mobile
• Teeth that are shifting
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• The recession of gums
• Periodontal pockets are visible
• tooth decay

How Do I Avoid Gum Disease?

Maintaining good dental hygiene is the most effective approach to prevent gum disease. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing everyday, eating a healthy diet, and going to your regular cleanings and exams are all part of it. Furthermore, being aware of the early indicators of gum disease (such as bleeding, swelling, and chronic bad breath) might be beneficial. You may be able to stop gingivitis from progressing if you catch it early enough.

What Are My Treatment Options for Gum Disease?

Root Planing and Scaling

To promote gum health, plaque and tartar in deep pockets along the gum line will be removed non-surgically with a process called Root Planing and Scaling.. The roots are smoothed after a thorough deep cleaning to prevent subsequent bacteria from attaching. We will next utilize our laser to seal the gums, which will help you heal faster and reduce any pain you may experience following the surgery.

The strongest defense against plaque formation is daily brushing and flossing of the teeth. Some mouth washes may also help to prevent plaque build-up. When plaque is not evacuated by brushing, flossing, or mouth washes, it solidifies and forms tartar. After tartar has formed, brushing cannot help to remove it. We have the tools to remove tartar and can advise you on which toothpastes work best to prevent plaque build-up so that future tartar development does not occur.

Visit us today at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504. See why so many Deer Park residents come to our office for award winning dentistry.