Do your gums bleed when brushing your teeth? Are your gums sensitive?
You may have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis or gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to gum sensitivity, gum recession, and even tooth loss.
Dr. Samantha Leatherwood and her dental team treat periodontal disease in Denton, TX. Treating gum disease can help restore the smile. The gums are the foundation for teeth; if they are unhealthy, then the teeth can become weakened.
SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE
There are several common signs of developing gum disease to be aware of:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen, tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Receding gum line
Please contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms and we can help. We have a periodontist on staff that is trained in diagnosing gum disease and removing infection with custom treatment.
TREATING GUM DISEASE
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Scaling and root planing is a very successful treatment that can reverse gingivitis. Our dental hygienists perform scaling and root planing at routine visits to remove plaque from around and beneath the gums. These treatments are also used in tandem to help ensure the tooth roots are secure and free of infection. Often referred to as a deep cleaning, this treatment is vital to prevent gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
ANTIBACTERIAL RINSE
An antibacterial rinse is a liquid substance that is used prevent and destroy disease-causing bacteria. We will often prescribe it for patients to use after scaling and root planing. This ensures that the infection and any bacteria is prevented from growing and spreading. It should be used at home following your dental appointment. We will give you specific directions on how and when to use it.
LASER DENTISTRY
Dental lasers use light and heat to heal the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums. We can use a dental laser to gently remove bacteria off of the gums. This can reduce swelling and bleeding caused by an excess of bacteria on and around the gums. Dental lasers are very precise so no excess gum tissue will be effected by the treatment.
PERIO PROTECT
Perio Protect is offered by our periodontist to fight off infection with custom treatment. This treatment method uses dental impressions to create a custom tray. Once completed, the tray holds medicine that is administered to the gums and even beneath the gum pockets. The trays are worn for 15 minutes every day.
PREVENTING GUM DISEASE
Periodontal disease can lead to many dental problems that will eventually end in tooth loss. The best way to avoid gum disease is by taking good care of your oral health.
We suggest visiting our Denton, TX dentist office twice a year for a teeth cleaning that removes tartar and plaque from the teeth. As with most patients, these bacteria filled substances can hide in places in your mouth that a toothbrush and floss cannot reach. This is why regular check-ups and cleanings are so important.
GUM DISEASE FAQS
WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?
The most common cause of gum disease is lack of proper oral hygiene habits. People who fail to brush and floss daily and skip dentist appointments are the ones who suffer from gum disease. When you do not care for your teeth properly, a substance called plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that can eat away at your gums. The only way to avoid gum disease is to brush your teeth daily to remove the plaque and visit your dentist twice a year to remove plaque hiding under your gums.
CAN GUM DISEASE CAUSE OTHER ILLNESSES?
Gum disease is linked to many other health problems. When an infection in your mouth develops, there is a chance that it can be carried to other parts of your body. Health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, pregnancy problems, and much more may develop as a result of gum disease.
CAN GUM DISEASE MAKE MY TEETH FALL OUT?
If you suffer from untreated gum disease, you may eventually suffer from tooth loss. The infection in your gums can eventually affect the underlying bone structure that supports your teeth. If this is compromised, then your teeth may eventually fall out.
DOES SMOKING CAUSE GUM DISEASE?
People who smoke have a higher chance of developing gum disease. This is because smoking leads to a lack of oxygen to the blood stream. Additionally, people who smoke are more likely to produce plaque than those that do not. To avoid gum disease, it is best to avoid using tobacco and take good care of your oral health.
Gum Disease Treatment in Denton, TX
Treat gum disease professionally at Leatherwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Call us at (940) 220-3566 or request an appointment with Dr. Leatherwood on our website. We look forward to seeing you at your next consultation. Please let us know if you have any remaining questions for us and we will be happy to help.