Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a common oral health problem that many Americans face. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it will begin to destroy your gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
We provide periodontal disease treatment in Groesbeck, TX, to help restore patients’ smiles and relieve their painful symptoms. We also provide additional restorative dentistry treatments to our patients that need them.
Healthy Smiles Need Healthy Gums
We take many preventative measures to keep it from developing in the first place. Coming in for your bi-yearly hygiene appointments is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease of any sort. Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any disease-causing plaque and tartar that you are unable to remove with your daily brushing and flossing routine.
One of the main reasons people develop gum disease is that they do not keep up with their hygiene appointments. If you are coming to see us and be treated for a periodontal disease that has already developed, we have many helpful options.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Groesbeck, TX
We will carefully examine your gums and come up with a straightforward recovery plan for you. If your gums are in the early stages of gum disease or gingivitis, the effects are much easier to reverse. Swollen and tender gums generally characterize gingivitis. It does not directly impact the bone attached to your teeth. However, if you leave gingivitis untreated, that is when it can become a periodontal disease.
This form of gum disease affects the bone attached to your teeth and the tissue, so it is vital to catch gum disease before it progresses. Deep cleaning treatments like scaling and root planing help patients with gum disease by removing bacterial buildup from the gums and tooth roots.
We may also recommend laser therapy to remove infected gum tissue. Dental lasers can target and treat infected gum tissue without removing healthy gum tissue.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease goes through different stages as the infection worsens.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This is the mildest form and is usually reversible if caught early. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing. There is no bone or tissue damage at this stage, and the teeth are still firmly in place.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain health conditions like diabetes are the main causes of gingivitis. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can often reverse gingivitis and restore gum health.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to early periodontitis. During this stage, the inflammation affects the bone and supporting tissues holding the teeth. The gums may pull away from the teeth, forming small pockets. These pockets trap more plaque and bacteria, leading to further infection.
Early periodontitis can cause more noticeable symptoms, including persistent bad breath, frequent gum bleeding, and discomfort while chewing. At this point, treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. Professional deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing may be needed to remove plaque below the gumline.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
As the disease progresses into moderate periodontitis, the damage becomes more severe. The pockets between the teeth and gums deepen, destroying more bone and tissue. This can lead to loose teeth as the support structures weaken. The gums may also recede further, making the teeth appear longer.
At this stage, symptoms are more obvious. You may notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, gum recession, or even pus around the gumline. Treatment becomes more intensive, often involving scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and possibly gum surgery to clean out the deeper pockets and prevent further damage.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. The infection has destroyed a significant amount of bone and tissue, and the teeth may become extremely loose or even fall out. The gums will continue to recede, and the pockets around the teeth will be very deep. Chewing can become painful, and tooth loss is likely.
Treatment for advanced periodontitis is aggressive. Gum surgery, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration techniques may be required to restore some lost structures. In severe cases, teeth may need to be extracted and replaced with dentures or dental implants.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Several factors contribute to gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain health conditions, and genetics.
Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed. This inflammation is the beginning of gum disease.
Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily are key habits to prevent plaque buildup. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important in keeping your gums healthy.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and using tobacco products significantly increase the risk of gum disease. Tobacco weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections. It also reduces blood flow to the gums, which slows down the healing process when gum damage occurs. Smokers are more likely to have tartar buildup on their teeth, and gum disease in smokers tends to progress more quickly than in non-smokers.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco is one of the best ways to protect your gums and improve your overall oral health.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetic makeup. If gum disease runs in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing it. Even with good oral hygiene, individuals with a genetic predisposition may need to take extra steps to protect their gums. Regular dental visits and personalized care from your dentist can help manage this risk.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, especially in women, can increase the risk of gum disease. During pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and menstruation, hormone levels fluctuate, making the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria. Pregnant women, in particular, should pay close attention to their oral hygiene since pregnancy can increase the risk of developing a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis.”
It’s important for women experiencing hormonal changes to maintain good oral hygiene and consult their dentist if they notice any signs of gum problems.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can contribute to gum disease. People with diabetes are at higher risk because high blood sugar levels can weaken the gums’ ability to fight infections. Additionally, individuals with conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV or cancer, may find it more difficult to control gum disease. Medications that reduce saliva flow can also increase the risk since saliva helps wash away food and bacteria.
Managing these health conditions and working closely with your dentist can help reduce the impact on your gums.
Poor Nutrition
A poor diet can also contribute to gum disease. Without proper nutrients, the body’s immune system weakens, making it harder to fight off infections, including those affecting the gums. Vitamin C, in particular, plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums. A lack of this vitamin can lead to inflammation, bleeding gums, and a higher risk of gum disease.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients can help keep your gums strong and healthy.
Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact oral health. When stressed, the body’s ability to fight infections, including gum infections, decreases. Stress can also lead to behaviors like clenching or grinding teeth, which puts extra pressure on your gums and teeth. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies, can help protect your gums.
Request a Dental Consultation
We are excited to serve you and help you find the right treatment for your gum problems. Call Groesbeck Family Dental today at (254) 556-3973. You may also schedule a dental appointment with us on our website.