If you notice any changes to your gums, such as redness or bleeding, then you should consider contacting your Dallas, TX, dentist. These warning signs could point to gum disease, a serious oral health issues linked to discomfort and even adult tooth loss. In today’s blog, let’s talk about the dangers of periodontal disease, and what steps our patients can take to avoid the disease.
When you develop gingivitis or gum disease, you may notice your gums feel sore or maybe even bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Recession could also occur, as well as redness or swelling. If you notice any changes to your gums, please let your dentist know as soon as possible. While gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can be reversed, once gum disease forms there is no cure. Instead, routine care is crucial for managing the disease and preventing serious complications, such as tooth loss.
The trouble begins with inflammation. When our gums become inflamed, they may eventually pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When bacteria enter these pockets, periodontal disease may develop. Causes of inflammation vary, but may include poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco use, family history of periodontal problems, inflammatory illnesses, or certain medications. As part of your treatment, we will identify the cause of your gum disease and discuss treatments for your specific case. Without treatment, the disease will grow more severe until periodontitis forms, the advanced staged that actually severs the tissues connecting the teeth and gums, leading to tooth loss.
First, be sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss every night before bed. Doing so helps remove the food particles that could otherwise feed bacteria and lead to inflammation. Also, make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. We will watch for the warning signs of the disease, and also clean the teeth by removing all plaque buildup, which helps you avoid gum inflammation. Try to avoid smoking and tobacco use as well. Working with you, we can help your smile stay free of the disease. If you’ve already developed gum disease, then we can discuss routine care, such as a scaling and root planing and regular cleaning every three to four months, to help safeguard the health of your smile. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.
Our team can help your smile stay healthy and free of gum disease. To learn more about our approach to preventive dental care, then please contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX, dentist!
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