Healthy gums are an essential part of a healthy smile. Just as your teeth need routine care to prevent decay, your gums need regular care to prevent gum disease. Dr. Bradley Dean is a periodontist specializing in preventing, treating, and managing gum disease and other periodontal concerns. We can coordinate treatment with your general dentist or offer complete oral care, including gum disease treatment in Plano, TX.
While gum disease is a common dental problem, it can permanently damage your teeth and gums. Gum disease can begin with gum inflammation. Over time, as the gum infection spreads, the gums recede. Eventually, advanced gum disease leads to tooth loss. Early gum disease treatment from an experienced periodontist like Dr. Dean can prevent severe tooth and gum damage.
What is Gum Disease?
According to the American Dental Association, about half of Americans are affected by gum disease to varying degrees. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. This problem is also linked to several other major health risks, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
Gum disease falls into two categories:
Gingivitis
This common dental problem is the first stage of gum disease. Also known as gum inflammation, symptoms of gingivitis include irritated, red, bleeding, and swollen gums.
You likely have gum inflammation if your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. If you do not clean your teeth and gums thoroughly, your gums may be more sensitive.
While gingivitis is typically easy to treat, it may require additional at-home care to prevent it from returning. Patients with recurring gingivitis may benefit from more frequent dental cleanings.
When you treat gum inflammation early, you prevent it from turning into gum disease.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an aggressive form of gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can cause permanent damage to the gum tissue and weaken the teeth. This often requires intensive treatment to address damage and restore oral health.
What Causes Gum Disease?
While poor oral hygiene is a primary cause of gum disease, there are several other contributing factors, including:
- Age and genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes in women
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Stress
- Certain medications
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Poor nutrition, obesity, or diseases such as diabetes
Harmful bacteria in the mouth feed off of leftover food. First, bacteria create a film on the teeth and gums called plaque. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar.
Then, the infection will spread throughout the mouth. The bacteria will eventually grow in pockets deep inside the gum line. As the bacteria spread, the gum line can separate from the teeth and begin to recede.
This leaves the tooth roots exposed. As a result, the teeth are prone to extreme sensitivity and even loss.
Studies show that a daily routine of brushing and flossing is the key to avoiding gum disease. Since you may have gum disease and show no signs or symptoms, you must visit the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and examination at least every six months.
Multiple warning signs could indicate gum disease, including:
- Sore gums
- Red and/or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Sores on or near gums
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose-fitting dentures
Please contact our office as soon as you notice these symptoms. We provide gum disease treatment in Plano, TX to save your teeth and gums.
Gum Disease FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about gum disease with answers to these common questions:
How quickly does gum disease progress?
The symptoms of gum inflammation start to show after two to three weeks. If you continue to ignore them, it will develop into a mild case of gum disease. After months without treatment, your gums will begin to recede or pull away from your teeth.
Can gum disease lead to other problems?
The bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter your bloodstream and possibly impact other body parts. For instance, gum disease is connected to conditions like respiratory illness, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary artery disease. If you have diabetes and have issues managing blood sugar, gum disease can worsen your symptoms.
Additionally, gum inflammation can easily affect the heart. If you have gum and heart problems, we recommend visiting a dentist to prevent an increased risk of complications.
Is gum disease genetic?
According to recent research, genetics may play a role in gum disease. As a result, your genetic make-up may increase your risk of developing gum disease. Patients with aggressive periodontitis lose bone around a few or multiple teeth.
Does gum disease hurt?
In most cases, chronic gum disorders like gingivitis and periodontitis don’t cause any pain at all. However, inflammation or a low-grade infection can occasionally cause mild, episodic, or persistent dull pain. Sharp gum pain, on the other hand, is often linked to severe infection and inflammation.
What does gum disease look like?
Gum disease may appear in various ways. Gums may appear swollen, red, or inflamed. They may also bleed upon contact, such as when brushing. You can experience bad breath, regular gum pain, and sensitivity as gum disease worsens. Loose teeth are common in the latest stages of gum disease.
Can gums grow back?
Gum tissue won’t grow on its own. However, we can surgically replace the gum tissue to improve aesthetics and oral health. Gum grafting takes healthy tissue from another area of the mouth and transplants it into the gums.
We recommend grafting if you lose your gum tissue due to gum disease. This treatment will also prevent tooth loss.
Schedule A Periodontal Exam and Treatment for Gum Disease Today
If you need a periodontist to treat your gum disease in Plano, TX, call Dr. Bradley Dean at (972) 666-1594. You can also schedule an appointment online today.
At your next appointment, let us know if you have questions about our office. We’re here to help. We serve Plano, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.