3 Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontitis is a serious oral health issue. It is when your gums become damaged by plaque and tartar buildup, causing them to become inflamed and infected. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. However, Supreme Dentistry can guide you through the signs of gum disease so you and your family can get the oral care necessary to keep your gums and teeth healthy. If you think you may have gum disease, contact Supreme Dentistry today at 844.966.2333 to schedule an appointment with our family dentistry in Houston, TX.

Three Signs You May Have Gum Disease

There are several signs you may have gum disease. Unfortunately, many of these signs only show up when gum disease is already at an advanced stage. This is why it’s important to have regularly scheduled dental check-ups. However, if you experience any of the following three signs, it would be wise to make an appointment with Supreme Dentistry:

Excessively red or swollen gums: Sensitive or swollen gums are the first signs they need attention. If your gums are tender, cause pain when touched, or easily bleed after normal brushing and flossing, there is likely an issue.
Bad breath: There are millions of bacteria in the human mouth. Even for individuals who have good oral hygiene, plaque (the sticky, pale-colored film that collects on and between teeth) can buildup giving bacteria even more fuel to grow and damage your teeth and gums. This can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums around your teeth and can cause tooth loss. Bad breath is a sign of plaque buildup, and catching it early prevents gingivitis and further periodontal disease.
Sensitive teeth: A symptom of gum disease that often goes hand-in-hand with receding gums is tooth sensitivity because the tooth’s dentin is exposed. If drinking cold or hot liquids or certain sugary or acid foods cause you sudden tooth pain or discomfort, you may have periodontal issues.

How Periodontics Can Help

Several treatments can combat periodontitis and restore the quality of your teeth and gums. However, the best way to avoid gum disease is by practicing good gum care. Practicing proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing after every meal, reducing the amount of sugary and acidic foods one ears, and scheduling regular dental check-ups, is the best preventative medicine. Your dentist has several options to address gingivitis or advanced gum disease. For example, some possible treatments include:

Teeth cleaning: A deep cleaning involves scaling that removes tartar from both above and below the gum line, root planing smooths rough areas where plaque and tartar attaches, and even laser removal.
Antibiotic medications: Several medications treat gum disease. Perhaps the most common is an antiseptic mouthwash. There are also timed-release antiseptic chips inserted into pockets after root planing. For advanced periodontitis, oral antibiotics can reduce inflammation and reduce tooth damage.
Surgery: Flap surgery is a procedure where the gums are lifted back to remove plaque and tartar then sutured back in place. Another surgical option is a gum graft where tissue from another part of your mouth is taken and used to cover exposed dentin.

Supreme Dentistry

Gum disease is a serious issue. But by brushing and flossing after every meal while scheduling regular appointments with Supreme Dentistry, you can stay ahead of any oral health issues. Gum care is a vital part of keeping up good oral health. If you or your family experience any of the above signs of gum disease, then contact Supreme Dentistry at 844.966.2333. The sooner your dentist catches the signs and symptoms of gum disease, the sooner it can be treated. We’re proud to provide family and other general dentistry services to our patients and emergency dental services. Some of our treatment options include: