Healthy gums are an essential part of a healthy smile. Just as your teeth need routine care to prevent decay, your gums need regular care to prevent gum disease. Dr. Bradley Dean is a periodontist specializing in preventing, treating, and managing gum disease and other periodontal concerns. We can coordinate treatment with your general dentist or offer complete oral care, including gum disease treatment in Plano, TX.
While gum disease is a common dental problem, it can permanently damage your teeth and gums. Gum disease can begin with gum inflammation. Over time, as the gum infection spreads, the gums recede. Eventually, advanced gum disease leads to tooth loss. Early gum disease treatment from an experienced periodontist like Dr. Dean can prevent severe tooth and gum damage.
What is Gum Disease?
According to the American Dental Association, about half of Americans are affected by gum disease to varying degrees. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults and is linked to several other major health risks, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Gum disease goes through multiple stages:
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and gums. If you don’t remove plaque by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums.
The most common signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Some people also notice bad breath. At this stage, gum disease does not cause permanent damage because it only affects the gums, not the bone that supports the teeth. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can restore your gums to good health.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads deeper into the gums and affects the bone that holds your teeth in place. The gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria collect and cause further damage.
Symptoms of periodontitis include gum recession, persistent bad breath, and increased sensitivity. You may also notice that your gums bleed more easily and your teeth feel loose. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis causes permanent damage to the gums and bone. However, with professional treatment, such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), dentists can slow the disease and prevent further harm.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. By this point, the infection has destroyed a significant amount of bone and tissue, which can cause teeth to shift, become loose, or even fall out. Severe pain, swelling, and pus around the gums are common symptoms.
At this stage, treatment options are more invasive. Dentists may recommend gum surgery, bone grafts, or tooth extractions if the damage is too great. Without treatment, advanced periodontitis can lead to serious health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other infections.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease develops gradually and worsens over time if left untreated. Plaque buildup is the main cause of gum disease, but several other factors can contribute to the problem.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. When you eat, bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that irritate the gums. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which is much harder to remove. Tartar collects along the gumline, creating a breeding ground for more bacteria, leading to gum inflammation and infection.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing properly allows plaque to build up, increasing the risk of gum disease. Skipping regular dental checkups also makes it harder to catch early signs of gum problems. Good oral hygiene, including professional cleanings, helps prevent plaque from turning into tartar and causing gum damage.
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 the body to fight infections. It also reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing the healing process. People who smoke are more likely to develop gum disease, and their symptoms may be more severe than those of non-smokers.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to infection. Increased blood flow to the gums during these times can cause them to become swollen, making it easier for plaque to cause irritation and gum disease. Pregnant women, in particular, should be extra careful about their oral hygiene to avoid pregnancy-related gum problems.
Certain Medical Conditions and Medications
Some health conditions, such as diabetes, weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, including gum disease. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum problems due to high blood sugar levels, which can feed bacteria in the mouth. Certain medications, including those that reduce saliva flow, can also contribute to gum disease. Saliva helps wash away bacteria, so a dry mouth increases the risk of plaque buildup.
Genetics
Some people are genetically more likely to develop gum disease. Even with good oral hygiene, they may still experience gum problems due to inherited factors. If gum disease runs in your family, you should be extra cautious about dental care and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Poor Nutrition
A diet high in sugar and processed foods encourages bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup. Not getting enough essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, can weaken the gums and make them more prone to infection. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water can help keep your gums healthy.
Grinding and Clenching Teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching put extra pressure on the gums and supporting structures. Over time, this can contribute to gum recession, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Using a mouthguard at night can help protect your gums and teeth from excessive wear.
Studies show that a daily routine of brushing and flossing is the key to avoiding gum disease. Since you may have gum disease and show no signs or symptoms, you must visit the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and examination at least every six months.
Multiple warning signs could indicate gum disease, including:
- Sore gums
- Red and/or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or separated teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Sores on or near gums
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose-fitting dentures
Please contact our office as soon as you notice these symptoms. We provide gum disease treatment in Plano, TX to save your teeth and gums.
Gum Disease FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about gum disease with answers to these common questions:
How do periodontists treat gum disease?
Periodontists, who are specialists in gum health, treat gum disease using a range of methods tailored to the specific stage and severity. For early-stage gum disease (gingivitis), treatment focuses on non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar. For more advanced stages (periodontitis), they may use surgical procedures such as flap surgery to access and clean deeper pockets, or perform regenerative procedures like bone or tissue grafts to repair damage.
Are gum disease treatments painful?
While the treatments themselves are not painful due to the use of local anesthesia, it is common to experience some discomfort, tenderness, or swelling afterward. This is typically manageable with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. For patients with dental anxiety, sedation options can be provided to ensure a more relaxed and comfortable experience during the procedure.
What is the typical timeline for gum disease treatment?
The timeline varies widely depending on the severity of the disease. Gingivitis can often be reversed in as little as a few weeks with professional cleaning and improved at-home care. Periodontitis requires more extensive treatment, and the process can span several months, including the initial deep cleaning, follow-up appointments, and potential surgical procedures. Long-term maintenance is crucial for preventing recurrence.
What can I expect during my first periodontal exam?
During your first periodontal exam, the periodontist will thoroughly evaluate the health of your gums. They will use a small probe to measure the pockets between your teeth and gums, check for bleeding, and examine for any signs of bone loss. They will also review your medical and dental history, and may take X-rays to assess the bone structure beneath the gumline. This comprehensive evaluation helps them develop a personalized treatment plan.
Are there non-surgical options for treating gum disease?
Yes. The primary non-surgical treatment is a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia. The periodontist uses specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline (scaling) and then smooths the tooth roots (planing) to remove rough spots where bacteria can accumulate. This is often the first and most effective treatment for early-stage gum disease.
How quickly does gum disease progress?
The symptoms of gum inflammation start to show after two to three weeks. If you ignore them, it will develop into a mild gum disease. After months without treatment, your gums will recede or pull away from your teeth.
Do I need to see a general dentist and a periodontist?
In most cases, yes. Your general dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider, handling routine cleanings and checkups. They will refer you to a periodontist when they detect signs of moderate to severe gum disease that require specialized treatment beyond the scope of general dentistry. Think of it as a partnership: the periodontist treats the specialized gum issues, while your general dentist continues to manage your overall oral health.
Can gum disease lead to other problems?
The bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter your bloodstream and possibly impact other body parts. Gum disease is connected to conditions like respiratory illness, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary artery disease. If you have diabetes and have issues managing blood sugar, gum disease can worsen your symptoms.
Additionally, gum inflammation can easily affect the heart. If you have gum and heart problems, we recommend visiting a dentist to prevent an increased risk of complications.
Is gum disease genetic?
According to recent research, genetics may play a role in gum disease. As a result, your genetic make-up may increase your risk of developing gum disease. Patients with aggressive periodontitis lose bone around a few or multiple teeth.
Does gum disease hurt?
In most cases, chronic gum disorders like gingivitis and periodontitis don’t cause any pain. However, inflammation or a low-grade infection can occasionally cause mild, episodic, or persistent dull pain. Sharp gum pain, on the other hand, is often linked to severe infection and inflammation.
What does gum disease look like?
Gum disease may appear in various ways. Gums may appear swollen, red, or inflamed. They may also bleed upon contact, such as when brushing. You can experience bad breath, regular gum pain, and sensitivity as gum disease worsens. Loose teeth are common in the latest stages of gum disease.
Can gums grow back?
Gum tissue won’t grow on its own. However, we can surgically replace it to improve aesthetics and oral health. Gum grafting takes healthy tissue from another area of the mouth and transplants it into the gums.
We recommend grafting if you lose your gum tissue due to gum disease. This treatment will also prevent tooth loss.
Can gum grafting improve my smile aesthetics?
Yes, absolutely. Gum grafting is primarily a restorative procedure to treat gum recession and protect the tooth roots from decay and sensitivity. However, by covering exposed tooth roots it also creates a more uniform and visually pleasing gumline. This can significantly improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, making teeth look shorter and more proportional.
Schedule A Periodontal Exam and Treatment for Gum Disease Today
If you need a periodontist to treat your gum disease in Plano, TX, call Dr. Bradley Dean at (972) 964-2900. You can also schedule an appointment online today.
At your next appointment, let us know if you have questions about our office. We’re here to help. We serve Plano, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.