Treatment for Gum Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is very prevalent among adults, especially those over 30. This progressive disease is the leading cause of tooth loss; but it also increases your risk for many other health disorders. Gum disease can put you at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes, as well as aggravating issues like bleeding gums or halitosis. At Haven Dentistry, we offer effective prevention and treatment for gum disease at our dental center in Richmond, TX.

Gum disease starts with inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth due to bacteria, plaque and tartar. Cleaning the teeth thoroughly with daily brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of gingivitis or gum inflammation, but there are areas that are difficult to clean with home oral hygiene. Professional dental cleanings every six months can help prevent gum disease when combined with daily oral hygiene. However, some people may still be susceptible to periodontal disease and require treatment to stop this progressive gum infection.

Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is caused by accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth that irritate the gums and harbor bacteria. Factors like smoking, poor health and medical conditions can increase risk for gum disease. Gingivitis is usually the first stage of periodontal disease, progressively getting worse over time. The gum tissue becomes diseased, which can spread to the bone, resulting in bone and tooth loss. The early symptoms of gum disease include:

• Receding gum tissue – pockets around the teeth
• Swollen, tender or red gum tissue
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath

It is possible to have gingivitis or gum disease without any symptoms in the early stages. This is why it is so important to come in for routine checkups and cleanings. Our dental team can detect signs of gum disease and recommend a treatment plan. For most people in the early stages, increasing the frequency of cleanings or adding deep cleanings, like scaling and root planing, is the first step to controlling gum disease.

If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, do not ignore this issue. It can be treated, even reversed in the earliest stages, to protect your teeth and health. Contact our office in Richmond, TX, to schedule a checkup and cleaning to learn more about treatment for gum disease.