Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults? It's true! Periodontal (gum) disease impacts nearly half of adults in some way; however, it's also a highly preventable problem.
We're answering some questions today about gum disease in Houston, TX, so you can take the needed steps to protect yourself.
#1 What Is Gum Disease?
Essentially, gum disease is an infection that attacks the primary support system for your teeth, which is your gums and jawbone. The infection, caused by extreme plaque and bacteria buildup, irritates the gums and soft tissues, causing them to bleed during brushing and appear red and swollen. These are some of the signs and symptoms of early gum disease (gingivitis).
Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, can cause pain or tenderness during chewing, teeth that begin to feel mobile, and signs of gum recession.
#2 How Do We Treat Gum Disease in Houston?
Gingivitis
If we can detect gum disease in its early stages, we can often successfully help patients manage their condition with a thorough teeth cleaning with our hygienist and some improvements to their home care routine. For many patients, these improvements can keep the gum disease at bay and sometimes even reverse it.
Periodontitis - What Is Teeth Scaling and Root Planing?
Advanced gum disease requires a deeper cleaning that reaches below the gumline and removes the plaque and tartar buildup that's causing the infection. This thorough teeth cleaning is called scaling and root planing, and our hygienists will ensure that you're numb and don't feel anything during the procedure. Teeth scaling removes the tough tartar buildup while also smoothing the root surfaces to ensure they're infection-free.
Contact Echeverri Dental Center
If you or a loved suffer from the symptoms of gum disease, don't wait to contact your Houston dentist at (713) 956-8767 to schedule an exam and teeth cleaning. The earlier you diagnose gum disease, the more successful you'll be in treating it.