Gingivitis Treatment in Abilene, TX
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. This process is reversible with professional gingivitis treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bones that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.
Without gingivitis treatment, gums can separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the tooth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. Patients in Abilene with this condition should call Dr. Lovelace for an appointment.
Signs You Need Gum Disease Treatment
- Bleeding Gums: One of the first signs you need gum disease treatment will happen when you’re brushing your teeth or chomping on a snack. You might taste a copper taste in your mouth only to realize your gums are bleeding. This can be a sign of gingivitis gum disease, so don't hesitate to contact our dental office today if you are experiencing this.
- Red & Swollen Gums: When plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line, it will lead to inflammation. With the inflammation, you might notice your gums look red or swollen and feel tender to touch. This can be a symptom of gum disease. If you brush or floss too vigorously, this can also happen.
- Receding Gums: Another sign of gum disease you might experience is receding gums. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth and expose more of the tooth including the tooth root. Bacteria build up can occur and cause gum disease to worsen.
What Exactly Are the Common Causes of Gum and Periodontal Disease?
- Smoking: The top risk factor associated with gum disease.
- Hormonal changes in women: Makes gums sensitive.
- Diabetes: Higher risk of developing infections.
- Illnesses: Treatments can negatively affect the gums (e.g., cancer treatments).
- Medication: Some medications reduce the flow of saliva, which can cause vulnerability in the gums, leading to gum disease.
- Genetics: Some are more prone to gum disease than others.
Generally, patients do not show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women, and teens rarely develop these diseases, although they can develop gingivitis. Gum disease will develop when patients allow plaque to build up along their gum line. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that more than half of all Americans over 30 years of age have periodontitis. Periodontitis is the more advanced form of periodontal disease. Our dental professionals can detect and treat gum disease at its various stages. If you think that you have gingivitis or have other dental concerns,
call our office today so that we can catch and treat these issues early.
Schedule an Appointment Today to Treat Periodontal Disease
If you notice the signs of periodontal disease in your body, reach out to Teri Brooks Lovelace DDS MS PA. During a regular check-up, we will evaluate your mouth and symptoms to decide if you have gum disease. If your symptoms point to gingivitis, our doctors can provide a thorough cleaning and recommend oral hygiene habits to reverse the effects and cure the disease. Unfortunately, moderate to advanced gum disease is not curable because lost bone structure and tissue cannot be rebuilt. However, dentists can clean and provide treatments to the affected areas to stop further damage to your teeth and mouth. When you notice the signs of periodontal disease, schedule an appointment at our office in Abilene, TX as soon as possible. Our professionals are experienced in treating periodontal disease and will work to mitigate your symptoms before they worsen.
