Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It is primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it will begin to destroy your gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Luckily, our dentist in Denton is an expert at treating periodontal disease. Our Denton, Texas, dental office also provides restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients.
Preventing Gum Disease
As part of our routine dental care, we take many preventative measures to keep gum disease from developing in the first place. Coming in for your bi-yearly hygiene appointments is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any disease-causing plaque and tartar that you are unable to remove with your daily brushing and flossing routine.
One of the main reasons people develop gum disease is that they do not keep up with their hygiene appointments. If you are coming to see us and be treated for periodontal disease that has already developed, we have many helpful options!
Our dentist will carefully examine your gums and come up with a straightforward recovery plan for you. If your gums are in the early stages of gum disease or gingivitis, the effects are much easier to reverse. Swollen and tender gums generally characterize gingivitis. It does not directly impact the bone attached to your teeth. If you leave gingivitis untreated, that is when it can become periodontal disease. This form of gum disease affects the bone attached to your teeth and the tissue, so it is vital to catch gum disease before it progresses.
Our skilled team proudly serves Denton, Texas, and surrounding cities and towns in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, such as Krum, Sanger, Cooper Creek, Corinth, Shady Shores, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, Copper Canyon, Lantana, Bartonville, Double Oak, Argyle, Ponder, and Bolivar. We are excited to serve you and help you heal!
Gum Disease FAQs
How do you diagnose gum disease?
Your dentist can diagnose gum disease by doing a complete oral exam. This process includes looking for inflammation and recession along the gum line. If pockets are present, we will measure the depth. We will also check for loose teeth and assess your bite. Taking dental X-rays can help assess any bone loss around teeth. We will also gather your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any symptoms you have.
How can I reverse gum disease?
If you suffer from gingivitis, you can reverse it with proper oral hygiene practices. You may also need a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is an intensive dental cleaning that will get rid of bacteria and repair gums. At this stage, damage is minimal and only affects the gum tissue.
Is gum disease painful?
No, gum disease is not always painful, especially in its early stages, like gingivitis. Many people notice symptoms like bleeding gums, swelling, or redness without discomfort. However, advanced gum disease can cause pain, sensitivity, and discomfort while eating. If you do not get treatment, it can lead to more oral health issues.
How does gum disease affect my overall health?
Gum disease puts you at risk for certain systemic conditions. Bacteria from infected gums may enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation. Studies show this can lead to heart disease. It may also worsen diabetes by making blood sugar harder to control. Additionally, gum disease has been associated with respiratory infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Can children get gum disease?
Gum disease is more common in adults but children can indeed develop it. The most common form in children is gingivitis. This beginning stage of periodontal disease is caused by poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes during puberty, certain medications, or systemic diseases. Teaching your child how to brush and floss the right way is vital to helping them avoid the disease. Also, you need to teach them how to eat healthy and avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
How does smoking affect gum health?
Smoking is a risk factor for developing gum disease and can impact oral health. Smokers are up to six times more likely to get gum disease compared to non-smokers. Using tobacco affects gum health in several ways:
- Reduces blood flow to the gums, masking early signs of gum disease
- Weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections
- Interferes with healing after dental procedures
- Increases the risk of developing more severe forms of gum disease
Can my dentist cure periodontal disease?
It is possible to reverse gingivitis. However, once the disease progresses to periodontitis, the damage to the surrounding structures of the teeth becomes irreversible. While your dentist can stop the progression of periodontitis, the lost bone and tissue cannot grow back. In such cases, we focus on managing the condition, preventing further damage, and using restorative dental options to repair teeth.