Gum disease is a serious disease that could lead to tooth loss. The good news is that it’s treatable. Also called periodontitis, gum disease occurs when bacteria grow inside the mouth, leading to tissue damage. Poor oral hygiene is a leading cause of gum disease. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque starts to build up on the teeth. This plaque then hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally by a Spring Branch general dentist. So when do you know if it’s time to see a dentist? Read on to find out.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The first indicator of periodontitis is red, swollen gums. Inflammation starts across the gum line and spreads inside the mouth. Your gum feels tender and may even be painful. You may also notice your gum line receding and separating from the teeth. Since gum disease is caused by bacteria, a typical symptom is bad breath. Hardened tartar may cause a foul smell. Your teeth may also feel extra sensitive, especially when drinking cold beverages. A serious complication of gum disease is wiggling or loose teeth. This means that the disease has spread to your bones.

Who Is At-Risk for Gum Disease?

A Houston dentist will tell you that patients with bad oral habits are the most prone to periodontitis. Smokers may also find it harder to recover from gingivitis, which is the condition that could lead to gum disease. Certain medical conditions also increase the risk of this disease. Cancer, HIV, and diabetes all affect the immune system, making tissue repair harder and infection more likely. Hormonal changes, such as menopause and puberty, make gums more sensitive. Finally, some medication may disrupt saliva production and cause abnormal tissue growth.

How to Treat Gum Disease

Our Spring Branch family dentist always tells our patients that preventing gum disease is better than treating it. However, if the condition has developed, Smile 4 Texas will be there for you to provide you with the best dental care. We are more than happy to give you a personalized experience in your treatment journey. Our Spring Branch general dentist may recommend one or more of the following below.

• Deep Cleaning. Our dentist will go under the gum line and use special instruments to make sure all the damaged tissue is treated.
• Medication. You may be prescribed an antibiotic gel or an enzyme suppressant to treat the gums.
• Surgery. For severe cases, surgery may be the only option. Gum graft surgery and flap surgery seek to repair the gum line and bone.

Contact Our Spring Branch General Dentist to Treat Gum Disease

Smile 4 Texas offers a wide range of dental services to suit our patients’ needs. We believe in providing the best dental experience. We are experienced in treating patients of all ages, even young children. If you have any of the symptoms of periodontitis above, don’t wait any longer. Schedule an appointment with our Spring Branch general dentist so you can be on your way to excellent oral health.