Gum disease
During every preventative exam and professional cleaning at Prime Time Dentistry, your dentist will thoroughly examine your gingival and gum health. Keeping your teeth sparkly white isn’t enough to maintain a long-term, healthy smile. If your gums aren’t healthy, your oral health is suffering. Your Frisco dentist is committed to giving every patient a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Call Prime Time Dentistry today to schedule your preventative exam and gum disease screening!
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, begins as gingivitis, then progresses to periodontitis, and then to advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar that forms under the gums. This bacteria causes deep infection in the gum tissue and bone.
Gum disease develops because plaque, a sticky bacteria-filled film, forms on the teeth. The development of plaque is natural and happens after eating and drinking. You must remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing, but when plaque remains around the gum line, it turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. If the tartar develops and stays at or below the gum line, it can cause inflammation of the gums and lead to gum disease.
Symptoms of gum disease
Since gum disease is often painless, it is essential to watch for other symptoms. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen or red gums
- Tender gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Pus surrounding your gums or teeth
- Loose teeth
At every preventative exam and teeth cleaning at Prime Time Dentistry, your Frisco dentist will examine your gum health to catch the early signs of gum disease.
Stages of gum disease
Gum disease varies in severity. During your appointment, your dentist can determine which stage of gum disease you are experiencing and choose the best treatment plan.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the mildest and earliest form of gum disease. At this stage, Tartar build-up at the gum line will inflame your gums because of the tartar build-up at the gum line. Since your bone and connective tissue are not compromised, you can reverse gum disease at this stage.
Periodontitis: At this stage of gum disease, the connective tissues are harmed, and the advanced gum disease is irreversible. Persistent inflammation of the gums causes pockets between your teeth and gums that can fill with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. The infection can eventually cause the degradation of tissue and bone.
Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, the tissues and bone are severely degraded and can cause your teeth to become loose. Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to remove your teeth. Your dentist will work with you on a comprehensive treatment plan.
Gum disease treatment in Frisco
When treating gum disease, the first thing your Frisco dentist will have to consider is the gum disease stage. While you can treat gingivitis with diligent hygiene or antibacterial toothpaste, periodontitis requires more aggressive treatment, such as scaling and root planing. Your dentist will work closely with you to determine your appropriate treatment plan.
If you are experiencing gum disease symptoms, don’t wait any longer to get treatment. Call our office today at 945-207-7463 for your appointment!
