What Do You Know About Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, the clinical name for gum disease, refers to any infection or inflammation of the gums and can range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease and is irreversible. At this stage, the infection destroys the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Gum Disease?
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not practicing good oral hygiene lets plaque accumulate. Bacteria in plaque that turn into hard tartar below the gumline are the primary cause of periodontal disease.
- Smoking/Tobacco Use: Always bad for you, smoking and tobacco use are not only risk factors for gum disease, but they also impede healing.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and hormonal changes can contribute to or worsen gum disease.
- Genetics: Some individuals may be more prone to infections.
Because we care about keeping your smile healthy for years to come, we want to remind you to watch for early signs of gum disease, which can sometimes be easy to miss. You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, gums that look red or swollen, persistent bad breath, or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth. In more advanced cases, teeth can become loose or shift slightly, and some patients experience tenderness, pain, or even pus around the gums.
If you’ve noticed any of these changes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Catching gum disease early can make treatment much simpler and help prevent more serious problems down the road.
Treating Gum Disease
If we detect signs of gum disease during your visit, please know that there are effective treatments available to help restore your oral health and keep the condition from getting worse. One of the most common treatments we recommend is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and along the roots of the teeth. This treatment helps your gums heal and reattach more securely to your teeth.
Depending on your specific needs, we may also recommend antibiotics to help control infection and reduce harmful bacteria. These may be prescribed in pill form or applied directly to the affected areas as a topical gel for more targeted treatment. Our goal is always to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your care every step of the way.
Prevention Is Best
Preventing disease is always better than treating it. A healthy oral hygiene routine and regular cleanings are your best protection from periodontal disease. If caught early, it can be treated easily without much discomfort, but gum disease can be quite painful in the advanced stages, and treatment becomes more complex.
If you are concerned about your gums or suspect you may have gum disease, call us to schedule an appointment at our office located in The Woodlands, TX.
