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. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated.
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. Not to mention, our t
eeth cleaning services can help prevent the buildup of dangerous bacteria that leads to gum disease. 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.
What Are the Signs of 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:
Bleeding Gums
Your gums should never bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. If they do, it could be a sign of gum disease. This is because plaque and tartar buildup causes inflammation in the gums, making them vulnerable to bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Receding Gums
Another sign of gum disease is receding gums. This is when your gums start to pull away from the teeth and begin to expose more of your tooth enamel. When this happens, it can lead to further issues like cavities and tooth loss.
Excessively Red or Swollen Gums
Sensitive or swollen gums are the first signs they need attention. An issue is likely if your gums are tender, cause pain when touched, or easily bleed after regular brushing and flossing.
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 build up, 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. You may have periodontal issues if drinking cold or hot liquids or certain sugary or acidic foods causes you sudden tooth pain or discomfort.
How to Treat Gum Disease?
If you are experiencing any of the signs of gum disease—Don’t worry. With the proper treatment, you can prevent further damage and even reverse the effects of the disease. The key to treating gum disease is a combination of good oral hygiene habits and professional intervention. Some ways of treating and preventing gum disease can include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet that limits sugar and processed foods
- Avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
The best option to know how to treat is to consult a dentist. Supreme Dentistry will work with you to create a personalized oral health plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. So don’t wait. Contact us today at
844.966.2333 to get started on the path toward improved oral health.
The sooner you act, the better your chance of reversing gum disease and keeping your teeth healthy for life.
How Does Periodontics Help?
Several treatments can combat periodontitis and restore the quality of your teeth and gums. However, practicing good gum care is the best way to avoid gum disease. Practicing proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing after every meal, reducing the amount of sugary and acidic foods one eats, 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
Deep cleaning involves scaling that removes tartar from both above and below the gum line, root planing smooths rough areas where plaque and tartar attach, 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 and 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.
Learn More About Gum Disease Symptoms at Supreme Dentistry
Gum disease is a serious issue. But you can stay ahead of any oral health issues by brushing and flossing after every meal while scheduling regular appointments with Supreme Dentistry. Gum care is a vital part of keeping up good oral health. 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 dental cleanings, fillings, implants, and teeth whitening. These and a wide assortment of other services for regular dental needs and cosmetic ones are just a phone call away. If you or your family experience any of the above signs of gum disease, then
contact Supreme Dentistry at
844.966.2333.
