Achieve Optimal Oral Health with Gum Disease Treatment
Do your gums look tender or swollen? Do you bleed when brushing and flossing your teeth? These are telltale signs of gum disease, and prompt action is required to prevent the condition from progressing. Gum disease, if left untreated, can advance from gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. This progression can lead to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues.
Magnolia Park Dental in Coppell, Texas, offers periodontal treatment to reverse gingivitis or halt the progression of gum disease. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brady Camp to achieve optimal periodontal health.
How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease forms when dental plaque—a colorless, sticky bacterial film—can thrive in the mouth. When dental plaque is not removed with flossing, brushing, and standard cleanings, it accumulates unwanted bacteria that secrete gum-irritating toxins, causing gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. At this stage, the infection is on the surface of the gums and causes the following mild symptoms.
- Gum tenderness
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when flossing and brushing
- Gum redness
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress, forming deep periodontal pockets between teeth and gums. These pockets attract more harmful bacteria and tartar (calcified plaque) that can’t be cleaned without the dentist’s help. Since gum disease often doesn’t cause pain, it’s easy to overlook treatment as the condition worsens. Unfortunately, advanced gum disease (periodontitis) damages the teeth-supporting structures, causing tooth loss.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
The dentist will visually inspect your gums for signs of redness, tenderness, and swelling. We’ll also use a periodontal probe to measure the depth between your teeth and gums (sulcus). In healthy gums, this depth shouldn’t be more than 3mm. If the readings are higher than 3mm, this is a sign of periodontal disease.
If you have deep pockets, we’ll take digital X-rays to examine the damage to the underlying bone. Periodontal diagnosis is crucial in determining the choice of treatment.
How is gum disease treated?
Dr. Camp uses a conservative approach to managing gum disease. We can reverse gingivitis with professional cleanings and good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth. We also recommend an antibacterial oral rinse to eliminate bacteria colonies.
However, advanced gum disease requires a different approach. Deep teeth cleaning uses scaling and root planing procedures to overcome gum disease. Scaling uses special tools to remove unwanted deposits from the deep periodontal pockets to the base of your tooth. Planing tooth roots removes rough spots to create a smooth surface, promoting gum healing and reattachment.
How do I prevent gum disease?
Prevention is the best way to keep your gums healthy. Observe the following tips to keep your gums in tip-top condition.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently
- Quit smoking
- Use a medicated oral rinse
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist twice annually for dental exams and cleanings
- Manage diabetes, depression, and other conditions that may suppress your immunity
- Eat a balanced diet and limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods
Do you need gum disease treatment?
Gum disease is progressive, so seeking professional treatment at the first signs is crucial for maintaining optimal gum health. Do you suspect gum disease? Call (972) 573-4600 and schedule an appointment with Magnolia Park Dental for your trusted periodontal care.
Gum Disease
