Gum disease is a common dental issue that affects millions of Americans. It is a bacterial infection that attacks the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth, leading to periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss and other serious health complications. At URBN Dental, we offer comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to help you maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss. In this article, we’ll discuss how to treat gum disease and prevent its onset.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is an oral health condition that begins with the accumulation of plaque bacteria along the gum line. When the bacteria are not removed through regular brushing and flossing, they can irritate and inflame the gums. This inflammation leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, the severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that allow harmful bacteria to grow. The bacteria can then attack the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health complications.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gum disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some of the common symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Swollen or red gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Changes in the bite
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Diagnosing Gum Disease
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to schedule a dental examination as soon as possible. During the examination, our dental hygienist will use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets around your teeth. A periodontal pocket is the space between the gum and the tooth, and deeper pockets indicate the presence of gum disease.
Treating Gum Disease
The treatment of gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages of gum disease, good oral hygiene practices can help reverse the condition. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using an electric toothbrush, and using fluoride toothpaste. Our dental hygienist can also provide a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Scaling and Root Planing
For more advanced cases of gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing. This is a non-surgical treatment that involves deep cleaning of the gum tissue and tooth roots. Our dental hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. Root planing is then performed to smooth the surface of the tooth roots and promote the healing of the gum tissue.
Flap Surgery
In severe cases of gum disease, surgical treatments may be necessary. Flap surgery is a common surgical treatment that involves lifting the gum tissue to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth roots. The gums are then sutured back into place, promoting the healing of the gum tissue.
Soft Tissue Grafts
For patients with receding gums, soft tissue grafts may be recommended. This treatment involves transplanting healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another to cover the exposed tooth roots. Soft tissue grafts can help prevent further gum recession and protect the tooth roots from decay.
Bone Grafts
In cases where the gum disease has resulted in bone loss, bone grafts may be recommended. A bone graft involves using either donated bone or your own bone to replace the lost bone supporting the teeth. This procedure promotes the regeneration of the bone tissue and can help prevent tooth loss.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is another surgical treatment that may be recommended for patients with advanced gum disease. This treatment involves using a special membrane to separate the gum tissue from the tooth root and bone. The membrane promotes the growth of new bone and connective tissue, which helps to support the teeth and prevent further bone loss.
Oral Antibiotics
In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help control bacterial infection in the gum tissue. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for short-term use and are used in combination with other periodontal disease treatments.
Preventing Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease is the best way to maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using an electric toothbrush, and using fluoride toothpaste, can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for a dental examination and professional cleaning.
In addition to good oral hygiene practices, there are other risk factors that can increase your chances of developing gum disease. These include smoking, poor nutrition, stress, hormonal changes, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS. By addressing these risk factors, you can help reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
Visit URBN Dental for Gum Disease Control in Houston
Gum disease is a common dental issue that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. At URBN Dental, we offer comprehensive periodontal disease treatment to help you maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss. Whether you require a professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, or bone grafts, we can help you achieve optimal dental health.
To prevent gum disease, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits and address any risk factors that may increase your chances of developing the condition. By maintaining healthy gums, you can enjoy a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile for years to come. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to schedule a dental examination. Our team of dental professionals is here to help you achieve optimal dental health and prevent the onset of gum disease.
