Periodontal Care / Gum Therapy
Periodontal care, or gum therapy, is crucial to not only your oral health but also your overall health. When you attend your dental cleanings regularly, you have a better chance of stopping dental problems before they escalate into something more severe.
Dr. Reagan Smith at Oak Hills Dentistry is your experienced and trusted periodontal care dentist in Spring, TX. In addition to providing comfort and care, Oak Hills Dentistry offers affordable prices and quick and efficient services.
Keep your teeth looking bright and healthy by calling our office today. Let us help you achieve your dream smile!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a relatively common dental issue resulting from bacteria buildup. The bacteria begin to break down your gum tissue and can cause bone loss in your jaw in more severe cases. There are three stages of gum disease known as:
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, and is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums. Symptoms of gingivitis can include gum inflammation, bad breath, and bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. It is important to visit the dentist regularly to have your gums and teeth examined, as gingivitis can be treated with a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
- Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease, and is caused by the bacteria in plaque continuing to build up and cause inflammation and infection in the gums. Symptoms of periodontitis include gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. Treatment for periodontitis may include deep cleaning, antibiotics, and even surgery in more severe cases.
- Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque continuing to spread and cause inflammation and infection in the gums, which can lead to loss of bone and teeth. Symptoms of Advanced Periodontitis include extreme gum recession, pain, and tooth loss. Treatment for Advanced Periodontitis may include deep cleaning, antibiotics, surgery, and in some cases, tooth extraction.
Visiting the dentist frequently allows your hygienist to thoroughly examine your mouth and address any issues. If you believe you have or are at risk for gum disease, contact Oak Hills Dentistry in Spring, TX, to learn more about periodontal care.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Certain medical conditions
- Aging
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
- Bleeding gums: This is one of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease and occurs when plaque builds up and causes inflammation in the gums. The gums may bleed when brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen gums: Redness and swelling are also common symptoms of periodontal disease. The gums may be tender to the touch, and the area may be painful.
- Bad breath: Bad breath can also be an indicator of periodontal disease. This is due to the bacteria in the mouth that cause infection and inflammation.
- Loose teeth: Periodontal disease can cause the teeth to become loose because the gums and bone around the tooth become weakened over time.
- Gum recession: Gum recession is when the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, leaving the root exposed. This can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay.
- Pus around the teeth and gums: Pus is a sign of an infection in the gums, which can be caused by periodontal disease.
- Changes in bite: Changes in the bite can be caused by the destruction of the gums and bone around the teeth. This can cause teeth to become misaligned or feel uncomfortable when biting down.
Who Needs Periodontal Care / Gum Therapy
The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is typically reversible with proper brushing and flossing. However, if you reach the second stage of periodontitis, there may be irreversible damage to your gums and teeth. Generally, the dentist will recommend scaling and root planning, also known as deep cleaning, as a treatment option.
Scaling and root planing are effective periodontitis treatments. Dr. Smith or our dental hygienist will scrape away any tartar and then smooth the tooth’s surface. Scaling the tartar and planing the tooth slows down the progression of gum disease by removing bacteria and allowing you to clean your teeth more thoroughly.
Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease and requires a more extensive treatment plan. In this case, you may be referred to a specialist who might recommend treatments such as needing to undergo oral surgery to replace your teeth with implants.
Periodontal care/gum therapy is essential to prevent advanced periodontitis, keep your teeth and mouth feeling and looking their best, and keep you healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Care?
Gum therapy offers patients numerous benefits, such as:
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Regular periodontal care helps reduce the risk of gum disease by removing the bacteria that causes it. Regular visits to your dental hygienist will help to keep your gums healthy and prevent any gum disease from developing.
- Improved oral health: Periodontal care helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from disease. Cleanings and preventive treatments help to reduce the risk of cavities, and can also help to reduce bad breath.
- Reduced risk of tooth loss: Regular periodontal care can help to reduce the risk of tooth loss by detecting and treating any periodontal diseases in their early stages.
- Improved appearance: Regular periodontal care can help to improve your appearance, as healthy gums can help to make your teeth look brighter and whiter.
- Better overall health: Studies have shown that regular periodontal care can help to improve overall health, as it can help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health conditions.
