Periodontal Disease, Pasadena Texas
Signs and symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
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Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even if you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen. Gum tissue should be pink and firm.
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Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus (tartar) and bacteria toxins irritate the gums and teeth.
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Loose teeth – This is caused by the loss of the tooth support system( bone loss and gum tissue)
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New spacing between teeth – When bone and gum tissue is lost, the teeth become mobile. This movement cause spaces in between the teeth.
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Constant bad breath – Caused by bacteria infection in the gum tissue around the teeth.
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Pus around the teeth and gums – The pus is a sign of the bacterial infection.
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Receding gums – Loss of gum tissue around a tooth.
Periodontitis, sometimes known as “gum disease,” is an inflammation that causes progressive damage to the gums, ligaments, and bone that hold your teeth in place.
This injury can result in “pockets” of gum tissue around the teeth that give places for germs to live over time.
Gum disease comprises several stages, the most common of which is “gingivitis.” Gingivitis is less severe than gum disease, but it, too, is caused by inflammation produced by bacteria in the film (plaque) and deposits (tartar) left on the teeth.
SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE
Typical symptoms include:
- Gums that are red, painful, swollen, or easily bleed
- Teeth that are loose, sensitive, or moving
- Breath that stinks
- Painful chewing
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GUM DISEASE?
Plaque (a sticky type of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth) causes gum disease. If plaque is not eliminated (through flossing, brushing, and frequent dental visits), it will continue to accumulate and produce toxins that can harm the gums. Periodontal disease develops just beneath the gum line, causing tiny pockets to form that separate the gums from the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two phases of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis – The first stage of gum disease, in which the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the illness is curable and may usually be removed by brushing and flossing on a daily basis.
Periodontitis – If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress to periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will be severely and irreparably destroyed. Periodontitis-infected gums can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or require removal by a dentist.
A PATIENT’S RISK OF DEVELOPING PERIODONTAL DISEASE CAN BE INCREASED BY CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING:
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- Diabetes
- Steroids, anti-epilepsy pharmaceuticals, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives are examples of medications.
- Bridges that are no longer functional
- Uneven teeth or crowded teeth
- Previously used fillings
- Pregnancy
WHILE IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND BE UNAWARE OF IT, SOME SYMPTOMS CAN BE:
- Gum tissue that bleeds easily
- Gums that are red, swollen, and tender
- Gums that have separated from the teeth
- Foul breath or taste that persists
- Teeth that are loose or separate as adults
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
- Teeth that are loose or separate as adults
- Any difference in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any modification to the fit of partial dentures
MANAGEMENT OF GUM DISEASE
Treatment for gum disease varies based on the severity of each case. Treatments that are commonly used include:
Non-surgical therapies include periodontal trays at home and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning).
Laser gum surgery and periodontal surgery
Implants for the teeth
HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE
Regular dental exams and periodontal examinations are essential for your overall health and the health of your smile. Periodontal disease does not have to cause tooth loss, and by practicing proper dental hygiene at home, you can dramatically lower your risk of developing gum disease. To keep your smile healthy, brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits.
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A DENTIST?
Whether or not you have signs of gum disease, it is suggested that you visit your dentist and dental hygienist at least every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning.
If you have any of the above symptoms, contact our Pasadena, Texas Dental Office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Even minor bleeding from your gums could signal an underlying problem.
RISK ELEMENTS
You can modify the following risk factors:
Oral hygiene at home (brushing/flossing)
Routine dental examinations
Tobacco cessation
Diabetes management
Obesity
Diet/Nutrition
Nonetheless, there are some risk factors for periodontitis that you cannot change:
Family history
Your body’s reaction to infection or inflammation
Conditions such as osteoporosis
PREVENTION
To combat periodontitis, follow the suggestions below:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
- Every day, use floss or another approved equipment to clean between your teeth.
- Take care of yourself (consume a healthy diet, handle stress, rest)
- Manage chronic illnesses and diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes).
- Avoid all tobacco products (including marijuana).
- Checkups and routine care should be scheduled with your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis.
About:
Dr. Nugent is a Family Dentist in Pasadena, Texas. Our office has been serving Pasadena and Deer Park for over 50 years. If you have signs of Periodontal Disease call our office today. Let us get you back to perfect dental health. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
