Could You Have This Common & Damaging Oral Disease?
When was the last time you visited the office for a hygiene examination and cleaning? Maintaining routine appointments is essential for your long term oral health. Our teeth are designed to last a lifetime when they are cared for properly. However, the length of time between visits will have a direct correlation between the health of your mouth and the need for dental intervention. When my team and I are not able to regularly inspect and clean your mouth, harmful and long-lasting diseases can develop and disrupt your oral health. One condition in particular affects a great number of my patients and oftentimes remains undetected when routine dental care is avoided. Continue reading to learn more about this silent condition.
What is Gum Disease?
When you visit our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning, there are a few conditions that my team and I are looking for. Most of my patients are familiar with tooth decay and come in expecting to be told they need a routine treatment for a cavity. I, however, am looking not only for decay, but also other conditions such as oral cancer and gum disease, which can quickly lead to serious complications with your oral and overall health. You may be surprised to learn that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Gum disease is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. When left untreated, it continues to worsen until complications develop with your teeth and gums as well as the jawbone. Lack of treatment when gum disease is detected will ultimately result in the deterioration of the bone that supports the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Although I mention the worst-case scenario above, I want my patients to understand the severity of this disease. When I see you regularly, gum disease can easily be treated in the early stages. One treatment I may recommend is scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning that removes the plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. It also helps the teeth and gums heal properly.
I want to encourage all of my patients to evaluate the state of their oral health. If it has been some time since I have seen you, I suggest contacting my office located in The Woodlands, TX to schedule your next appointment. I look forward to seeing you soon!
