The Dangers of Gum Disease
Nearly half of all Americans have some form of gum disease. If left untreated, the condition can lead to further complications, including tooth loss. At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our Denton, TX, dentist, Dr. Patrick Ruehle, provides patients with periodontal treatment and other dental solutions to help treat mild to severe cases of gum disease.
Explore our guide and learn more about gum disease, how you can prevent it, and the treatment options our Denton office provides to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral infection that starts in your gum tissue and spreads the bone that supports your teeth. Left untreated can cause irreversible bone loss, jeopardizing not only your teeth, but your overall health as well. Studies show that inflammation in your gums can increase your risk for an array of medical conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Respiratory diseases
- Preterm or low birth weight babies
- Rhematoid arthritis
- Certain cancers
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
The underlying cause of gum disease is bacteria-ridden plaque that builds up on your teeth. It’s crucial to maintain a proper at-home oral hygiene routine to help prevent the bacteria that cause the condition from spreading. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily (preferably before bedtime), and scheduling dental checkups with Dr. Ruehle or another experienced dentist.
Several factors increase the risk of developing gum disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Medication that reduces saliva flow
- Genetics and aging
- Specific health conditions such as cancer and AIDS
- Excessive stress
In most cases, the disease starts with bacteria accumulating around your teeth and gums due to inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent dental care. The best way to prevent gum disease is daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular trips to Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, where the licensed hygienists can thoroughly clean your teeth and remove tarter, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Stages of Gum Disease
Patients generally notice few, if any, symptoms of gum disease during its early stages. As it gets worse, your gums will become inflamed, irritated, and more susceptible to bleeding.
There are two distinct stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis
This is an early stage of gum disease that’s easily manageable with treatment. If you have gingivitis, only your gums are affected, and you may not experience any symptoms. Your gums instead can appear red and inflamed, but you likely won’t experience any pain. It’s important to seek professional dental care during this stage, as it’s easily reversible with appropriate professional care and consistent dental cleanings.
Periodontitis
If you don’t receive proper dental treatment, your gingivitis will eventually turn into periodontitis, a more serious stage of gum disease. At this stage, the bacteria are now affecting both the gums and the surrounding bone. You may or may not start to notice symptoms at this point. Symptoms of periodontitis can include longer teeth, which are caused due to your gums receding, and loose teeth due to bone loss. Your gums may also be red, swollen, or painful and more likely to bleed. You might also experience bad breath.
Treatment Options
Scaling and Root Planing
If you suffer from a mild case of gum disease that’s in the gingivitis stage, our Denton office can treat you with a professional gingivitis cleaning to eliminate bacteria. Advanced gum disease requires more in-depth cleaning known as scaling and root planning, which involves the use of specialized tools and the laser to remove calcified plaque and bacteria from above and below the gum line.
By addressing your gum disease early on, you can prevent more severe complications and avoid the need for additional dental procedures in the future.
Laser Therapy
Dr. Ruehle can perform laser therapy for patients whose gum disease has reached the periodontitis stage. A precise laser gently and thoroughly removes the infected tissue and disinfects the root surfaces, allowing the gums to reattach properly to your teeth. This treatment doesn’t require a scalpel or stitches, and you will recover quickly with little to no discomfort.
Aftercare for Gum Disease Treatment
Aftercare for Gum Disease Treatment Aftercare is an important part of gum disease treatment. Here are some tips to help you care for your gums and promote healing after treatment:
- Follow Your Dentist or Hygienist’s Instructions: Your dentist or hygienist will provide specific instructions on how to care for your gums after treatment. Be sure to follow their advice closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush: After treatment, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth gently. This will help to avoid irritating your gums and causing bleeding.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of gum disease. If you smoke, consider quitting or cutting back to help promote healing.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help to support your immune system and promote healing. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are an important part of treating and controlling gum disease. Be sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist or periodontist and follow their recommendations for follow-up care.
By following these tips, you can help promote healing after gum disease treatment and prevent gum disease from doing additional damage. If you have any questions or concerns about aftercare, be sure to speak with Dr. Ruehle for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist for an evaluation. They can examine your teeth and gums and perform any necessary tests to determine if you have gum disease and what type of treatment may be necessary.
In addition to scheduling bi-annual dental visits at your dentist’s office, you’ll want to practice a thorough oral hygiene regimen to promote healthy gums. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals.
Gum disease treatments, such as laser therapy and scaling and root planing, are relatively painless and should never cause more than minor discomfort. These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and patients may experience some pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the days following the treatment. It’s important to schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine which treatment process is best suited to your unique case.
Yes, it’s possible to develop gum disease even after treatment. This is why it’s vital to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent gum disease from recurring.
Restore Your Health Smile at Garden Oaks & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Ruehle is dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and healthy gums. The best way to prevent gum disease is to visit us at least once every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. To schedule an appointment, contact our Denton office at (940) 566-4888 or fill out an online contact form for a staff member to get back to you.
We proudly serve patients in Denton and surrounding areas, including Corinth, Argyle, and Krum, TX. We’re here to help you prevent and combat gum disease so you can smile with pride and without pain.