Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a common dental problem many patients face. Periodontitis begins as gingivitis or gum inflammation. As harmful bacteria build in the mouth, they irritate the gum tissue, leading to sensitivity, inflammation, and bleeding. Patients can experience gum recession and eventual tooth loss as gingivitis becomes gum disease.
Professional dental care can prevent severe periodontitis. At Flower Mound Family Dentistry, we can restore the gums with periodontal disease treatment in Flower Mound, TX. We also provide restorative dentistry treatments from our dental office.
Signs of Gum Disease
It’s important to know the symptoms of gum disease before it worsens. Some of the most common signs of gum disease can include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or purple gums
- Sensitive and irritated gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Inflamed gum tissue
- Gum pockets
- Loose teeth
Contact us if you notice any of these symptoms, and we will find the right treatment for your needs. Early prevention and regular maintenance in our office can help keep gum disease in check and reverse gingivitis.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Flower Mound, TX
Gingivitis is easily reversible if patients begin to floss daily and brush twice a day. Many patients who experience bleeding gums from gingivitis can gently floss between their teeth to remove bacterial buildup and get a better clean. Patients can also visit our office for a routine cleaning if they notice bleeding or irritated gum tissue.
We may recommend a deep cleaning treatment for patients with moderate gum disease. During scaling treatment, we remove bacterial buildup on and beneath the gums. After scaling, we perform root planing treatment, where we smooth the tooth roots to help them reattach to the teeth. We can also place antibiotics in deep gum pockets to fight off bacteria.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about periodontal disease treatment in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these common questions:
What increases your risk of gum disease?
Several things can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Smoking or Tobacco Use
- Age
- Genetics
- Medical Conditions
- Hormonal Changes
- Medications
- Poor Nutrition
Taking care of your oral health by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can help reduce your risk of gum disease.
Why do I have bleeding gums now that I’m pregnant?
If you have bleeding gums now that you’re pregnant, it might be due to hormonal changes in your body. During pregnancy, your hormone levels rise, especially progesterone. These changes can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to swell or bleed, especially when you brush or floss your teeth.
This condition is often called pregnancy gingivitis, and it’s quite common. It usually happens during the second and third trimesters, but it can start at any time during pregnancy.
While this is a normal reaction, you need to take care of your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth gently twice a day and floss regularly. If your gums continue to bleed or if you have any pain, be sure to talk to your dentist.
What is the link between heart problems and gum disease?
When you have gum disease, harmful bacteria can grow in your mouth and enter your bloodstream. This can cause inflammation, which is when your body reacts to infection. The bacteria can travel to your heart, leading to problems like clogged arteries.
Research shows that people with gum disease are more likely to have heart problems. While gum disease doesn’t directly cause heart disease, the conditions can affect each other.
Will I need gum surgery?
Whether you will need gum surgery depends on the severity of your gum disease. If your gums are inflamed or if you have advanced gum disease, we may recommend surgery to help restore your gum health.
In many cases, gum surgery may be necessary if you have deep gum pockets, gum recession, and bone loss. Surgery may be the next step if treatments like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) do not improve your gum health.
What can I do at home to help treat gum disease?
If you want to help treat gum disease at home, you should first make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to help remove plaque and keep your gums healthy. Don’t forget to brush your gums gently, too. Floss every day to get rid of food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce gum inflammation. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
How often do I need to visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you may need to visit the dentist more often than someone without it. Most people are advised to see the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However, if you have gum disease, our dentist might recommend you come in every three to four months.
These more frequent visits help keep your gums healthy and allow us to monitor your condition closely. Our dentist can perform special cleanings and treatments to help control the gum disease and prevent it from getting worse. Following our dentist’s advice and keeping regular appointments can manage your gum disease.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes, gum disease is linked to other health problems. When your gums are infected, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. Research shows that gum disease is connected to serious issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
For example, people with gum disease are more likely to have heart problems because the bacteria can cause inflammation in the blood vessels. Gum disease can also make it harder to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Taking care of your gums is not only essential for your mouth but for your overall health, too. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent gum disease and its links to other health issues.
Can gum disease be reversed?
You can only reverse the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. If you practice good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly, and get professional cleanings from your dentist, you can often reverse gum inflammation.
However, if gum disease progresses to a more serious stage called periodontitis, it can’t be fully reversed. However, you can manage gum disease. Treatments like deep cleaning and other dental procedures can help keep it under control and prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. Catching gum disease early for the best chance of reversing it.
Get Healthier Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Are you noticing changes in your gums? Get preventative care in our office today. Call Flower Mound Family Dentistry for gum disease treatment at 972-848-8745. You can also request a dental consultation with us on our website.
Our dentists love serving North Texas and its incredible people. We cannot wait to help you feel confident in your smile!