Our Marshall, TX office emphasizes that the health of every structure in your mouth is crucial for overall wellness. The gums are the foundation of your smile. They help keep the teeth in their specific locations. Gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth. Gum disease is the most prominent danger to gum health. We provide periodontal disease treatment as a restorative dental procedure for gum health.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease progresses through four different stages as it becomes more severe. It starts with Gingivitis, which is the only reversible stage. Bacteria buildup from poor oral healthcare creates plaque and tartar on the teeth. These bacteria start to inflame the gum tissue where they come into contact with it. The most prominent symptom at this stage is gum bleeding. Many adults have it and don’t notice it because none of their symptoms are painful.
Mild Periodontal Disease occurs when the bacteria become more aggressive. It’s no longer reversible, but we can help you manage it. At this stage, the bacteria start to destroy the jawbone structure. Once it progresses to moderate periodontal disease, the bacteria get into your bloodstream, too. This can carry infection and inflammation throughout your entire body. Gum disease impacts your body’s overall wellness.
The final stage is severe periodontal disease. At this stage, the infection has spread throughout the body. Your gums are bleeding and oozing pus, it’s painful to chew or bite down on things, and you have bad breath that you can’t get rid of. Gum tissue has eroded, and your teeth can loosen or fall out. We require extensive efforts to manage the disease when it gets to this point.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
One of the most common signs of gum disease is swollen or tender gums. Healthy gums should be firm and pink, but when inflamed due to an infection, they may appear red, swollen, and tender to the touch. In some cases, the gums may also bleed when brushing or flossing, a condition known as gingivitis.
Another common symptom of gum disease is bad breath. This is often caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene practices. The bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation, leading to bad breath.
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to receding gums. This occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, creating gaps known as pockets. These pockets can become filled with plaque and bacteria, worsening the condition. Receding gums can also expose the roots of the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Gum disease can also cause changes in the appearance of the gums. They may appear shiny or glossy, rather than the normal matte appearance of healthy gums. The gums may also appear pulling away from the teeth, making them look longer than usual. This is known as gum recession and is a sign of advanced gum disease.
In severe cases of gum disease, the bone supporting the teeth may be affected, leading to loose or shifting teeth. This can change the way the teeth fit together when biting or chewing and, if left untreated, may even result in tooth loss.
Other symptoms of gum disease can include pus between the teeth and gums, a metallic taste in the mouth, and changes in the way dentures or other dental appliances fit. See a dentist if you experience any of these symptoms, as early treatment can help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Marshall, TX
The treatment method for your gums depends on the stage of gum disease you’re in. But that’s not the only thing that matters. We extensively evaluate your mouth and discuss your medical history and current symptoms. This consultation helps us ensure we provide the perfect care for your needs.
We can often treat gingivitis with more diligent oral healthcare. You may need to come into our office more often for cleanings to lessen the plaque and tartar in your mouth. We may also tell you to brush your teeth more frequently at home. Sometimes, we may prescribe you an antibacterial oral rinse to eliminate the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
We use scaling and root planing for mild and moderate gum disease cases. With gum disease, pockets form between your gum tissue and jawbone. Bacteria and food particles collect in these pouches, furthering your infection. Scaling is a deep cleaning technique that includes cleaning out these pockets and scraping plaque off your teeth. Then, we smooth down your tooth roots so that your gum tissue can reattach to the jawbone properly.
For severe periodontal disease, you’ll require surgical methods or laser treatment. Whenever possible, we treat issues with laser dentistry. Using a laser instead of a scalpel ensures less bleeding and downtime after your procedure. It uses light energy to make any cuts, sealing off blood vessels as it goes. Lasers also sterilize the area, minimizing the risk of further infection. Many patients don’t need local anesthesia during the procedure, as it’s virtually painless.
Gum Disease Causes
One of the primary causes of gum disease is inadequate oral hygiene. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and gums, it can lead to inflammation and infection. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The presence of plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Over time, this can lead to the development of gum disease.
Smoking is another significant risk factor for gum disease. Tobacco use can weaken the immune system and reduce blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Smoking also inhibits the ability of the gums to heal properly, increasing the likelihood of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can mask the symptoms of gum disease, making it harder to detect and treat in its early stages.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of gum disease. Some people may be genetically predisposed to gum disease, making them more susceptible to its effects. Individuals with a family history of gum disease should be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene and seek regular dental check-ups to catch any signs of gum disease early.
Certain health conditions can also contribute to the development of gum disease. Diabetes, for example, can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of gum disease. Other conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can also weaken the immune system and make individuals more vulnerable to infections, including gum disease.
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can also increase the risk of gum disease. Fluctuations in hormone levels can make the gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, making them more susceptible to the effects of plaque and bacteria. Pregnant women should be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you think you may need gum disease treatment? Call us or schedule an appointment online.