Do you have sensitive, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or eat anything? If yes, it is because of underlying gum disease, also called periodontal disease. However, there is no need to worry; periodontal disease is treatable and can be reversed entirely if diagnosed early. In this blog, we will understand what periodontal disease is, how to prevent it, and what options are available for its treatment. So, read to learn more about gum disease.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), periodontal disease refers to the inflammation of the gums and the structures that support our teeth. Gum disease has a very high prevalence worldwide; it has been estimated that over 47% of US adults aged 30 and above have some form of periodontal disease.
The primary cause of the periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene maintenance, leading to plaque and tartar deposition. However, other factors can also contribute to this disease, including:
The common symptoms of underlying gum disease include:
Periodontal disease progresses in different stages. The Initial stage of gingivitis, is characterized by swollen, sensitive, reddish gums that bleed spontaneously. This stage represents the initial formation of plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth, which provide a haven for harmful bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that cause gum inflammation. Gingivitis is completely reversible with strict oral hygiene care and dental treatment.
However, if oral hygiene maintenance care is ignored, harmful bacteria in the plaque and tartar release toxins that attack the gum tissues, leading to them pulling away from their normal positions – and creating pockets between the teeth and gums – which further promote food impaction. At the same time, the toxins start damaging the bone that supports our teeth, making them mobile and unevenly spaced in the oral cavity. If this condition is not treated timely, the infection becomes irreversible, and teeth are so mobile that they start falling off.
The treatment for periodontal disease involves eliminating the root cause, plaque deposition, in most cases. The treatment of periodontal disease in Houston also depends on the severity of the infection and can be divided into two types: non-surgical and surgical treatment.
This type of treatment is usually undertaken for mild to moderate gum disease. Your dentist will give oral hygiene instructions such as regular brushing and flossing. They may also prescribe a medicated mouthwash to neutralize the harmful bacteria. Furthermore, your dentist will perform scaling and root planning in Houston, a procedure in which they will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth and promote gum healing.
Surgical treatment for periodontal disease is needed in case of a severe infection. In addition to oral hygiene instructions, your dentist may have to perform additional procedures. A routinely performed surgical treatment for periodontal disease in Houston is deep scaling and root planning. In this procedure, your dentist will raise a flap of gum tissue to expose the underlying roots, remove plaque deposits more thoroughly, and promote healing. In other cases, a periodontist in Texax may also perform procedures such as bone grafting to replenish the lost bone tissue. Furthermore, if any natural teeth have been lost due to gum disease, they will be replaced with dental implants to restore dental function and facial esthetics.
Gum disease is preventable and easily treatable in the early stages. However, if not treated timely, it can cause severe damage to one’s oral health and smile. The good news is that you only need good oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkup visits to prevent it. So, book an appointment with your periodontal specialist in Houston today and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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Dr. Bollman graduated in 2003 from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, TX. She has been practicing for 17 years. She enjoys playing video games, fishing and spending quality time with her 2 children[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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It’s important that each patient enjoys their dental visit, and that we carefully listen to their concerns in terms they’ll understand.
Dr. Stewart has practiced dentistry for 25 years!
She’s been with Royal Dental for 5 years!
We’re successful thanks to teammates like Nancy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Andress has been a Dentist for 37 years!
He’s been with Royal Dental for 8 years!
He is a 1982 Graduate of University of Texas Dental School San Antonio
Hobbies include hunting, vacationing and visiting the beach[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Shokralla was born and raised in Cario Egypt. After graduating from Dental school from Ain Shams University iSchool of Dentistry in 2011, he did a general dentistry internship and he worked in a private Office in Cario. In 2013, Dr Shokralla moved to the United States seeking a new journey. He joined Boston University of Dentistry for advanced Standing Program graduated in 2017 with high honors. during his program at Boston, He served also as a teaching assistant in the removable Prosthodontics Department. Once his studies were completed in Boston he moved to Houston Texas to enjoy the warm Winters and people. Dr. Shokralla is a member of the ADA and he is active with CE Implant Courses.
Besides his passion about dentistry , he loves to work out play tennis and soccer, serve kids in his local Sunday School.
“Learn from yesterday ,live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning” Albert Einstein
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Bryan Boshart DDS MS is a 1985 graduate of UT Dental School and in 1986 at U Of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, earned a Certificate Of Advanced General Dentistry. In 1989 at the University Of Oklahoma College Master Of Science he earned his Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics. For 20 years he was a Director of Orthodontics at Texas Children’s Hospital. His hobbies include gardening and juggling![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Harris Graduated in 1986 from the UT Health Science Center, San Antonio. He has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years, and in his time off enjoys Motor Cross, Rugby, distance running, fishing and hunting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Bhakti graduated in 2000 from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and has been practicing for 20 years. He enjoys Hikaru and Dorodango[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Rassner graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center Houston in 1972 and has been practicing for 48 years! In his free time he enjoys playing golf and watching baseball.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Mughni attended the Baqai Dental College in 2003 and 2004 and graduated from the University of California San Francisco in 2013. He has been practicing dentistry for 16 years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and reading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]