Periodontal Disease Pasadena, Deer Park Texas:
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal (gum) diseases is an infections that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. They occur when the bacteria in dental plaque irritates the gums. If your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. This can be diagnosed when your gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease if left untreated. This happens when the plaque spreads and develops below the gum line and bacterial toxins irritate the gums. As the disease progresses, the gums separate from the teeth and form infected pockets, destroying gum tissue and bone and necessitating extraction of the teeth.
Gingivitis is frequently caused by poor oral hygiene, but it is reversible with appropriate dental treatment and good oral care at home. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of the American population has periodontal disease. This is a staggering number. Gum disease must be taken seriously. Gum disease happens in stages, and it is treatable.
Gum Disease
To recognize how gum disease causes tooth loss, it is important to realize the distinct stages of gum disease if it goes untreated. Gum disease all begins with plaque, a colorless and sticky substance that develops on everyone’s teeth. Meticulous oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings can remove plaque before it causes harm. However, if the plaque builds up around the teeth, it will ultimately aggravate the gums and cause swelling and bleeding. At this initial stage, periodontal disease is called gingivitis and it is highly reversible.
However, left unchecked gingivitis will ultimately degrade and progress into advanced periodontal disease. Irritated gums become infected and the infection destroys the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Patients notice the gums disappearing or pulling away from the tooth root. Without proper support, a tooth will become loose and either fall out or need to be extracted.
Not only does gum disease sabotage your natural smile, it can also put your overall health at risk. Gum disease has been linked to several serious medical conditions, ranging from premature birth, kidney disease stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Periodontal disease is preventable by simply brushing and flossing along with seeing your dentist for your six-month cleanings and checkups. The earlier our office detects gum disease, the easier it is to resolve. The main procedures to combat gum disease is called Scaling and Root Planing. This treatment cleans the bacterial infection, calculus and tartar off of the tooth. This allows the tooth to be infection free and for the gum tissue to re-attach to the tooth. Furthermore, out office uses lasers to help clean/sterilize the gum tissue. The laser also bio-stimulates the gum tissue to aid in the processes of reattaching to the tooth.
Facts about gum disease:
• In the US, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease
• Prevalence increases with age: 70% of those aged 65 and over have it
• The condition is more common in men than women.
About:
Dr. Michael Nugent is a Top Dentist serving both Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas. Dr. Nugent is located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena Texas 77504. See why Dr. Nugent has been voted BEST PASADENA TEXAS DENTIST multiple times. Get the best dentistry for you and your family.
