Periodontal Disease (gum disease)
Dr. Nugent wants you and your family to be very knowledgeable about effective home dental care to prevent gum (periodontal) disease. This dental article was created to educate our patients, on the first signs of gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection. Delaying periodontal treatment has costly consequences.
First Signs of Gum Disease
- Gums that appear to be separated and distanced from your tooth.
- Gum tissue that bleeds during or after you brush or floss. Bleeding gum tissue is not normal
- Constant bad breath and a bad taste within your mouth
- Recession of your gums tissue
- Changes in your bite, or the way your teeth come together. This can indicate that your teeth have lost bone support and are becoming mobile.
- Gums that are swollen, red, and sensitive
- White pus appearing between your gums and teeth
When you notice any of these first signs of gum disease, Dr. Nugent recommends you to schedule an appointment. Dr. Nugent will take immediate action to fight against the progression of gum disease. Taking prompt action at this phase will minimize your chances of contracting a more harmful form of gum disease. Initial therapy for gum disease is Scaling and Root Planing.
Unfortunately patients who do not take action will experience more serious (and more expensive to treat) dental problems. More people lose teeth after the age of 30 due to gum disease than decay or trauma.
Periodontal (gum) Disease:
Gum disease can appear at any age. Early detection and early treatment is absolutely critical to stop this destructive disease process. If you have any of the warning signs of gum disease, then please call and schedule is enough evidence to schedule your appointment with us as soon as possible. We want you and your family to have healthy teeth and gums, and our dental team will provide exceptional dental services to make that happen!
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your oral health is tied to your overall systemic health. The toxins generated by mouth bacteria have been linked to cardiovascular disease, pre-term labor , and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and arthritis.
The Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease :
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications and diseases
- Heredity
- Poor nutrition
What Is Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) and Why Is It Necessary?
Scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as deep cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. It is a more intensive cleaning than a standard dental cleaning and is specifically designed to treat the infection and inflammation caused by gum disease.
The Process of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. The dentist or dental hygienist uses specialized tools to thoroughly clean these areas, focusing on the pockets that form between the teeth and gums where bacteria accumulate.
Root planing is the process of smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to adhere and cause further damage. By removing bacterial toxins and smoothing the roots, root planing encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, helping to reduce pocket depth and promote healing.
Why Is Scaling and Root Planing Necessary?
Scaling and root planing is essential in fighting periodontal disease because it targets the source of the infection. Periodontal disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up around the gumline, causing inflammation, gum recession, and bone loss. Regular brushing and flossing cannot reach the deep pockets formed by advanced gum disease, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of systemic health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Deep cleaning helps to stop the progression of gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and allowing the gums to heal. This procedure is crucial for restoring gum health, preventing tooth loss, and protecting overall health.
If you have lost teeth due to trauma or periodontal disease, then dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Nothing is more advanced or longer lasting then dental implants. Dr. Nugent is a regional leader in dental implants. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
Call us now at 713-941-8261 for your new patient exam and gum tissue evaluation.
Get the best dental care for you and your family.