Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, begins as gum inflammation, or gingivitis. A buildup of bacteria on and around the gums can causes gingivitis. Patients with poor oral hygiene are at risk of developing periodontitis. Not brushing or flossing enough can lead to gum infection accompanied by pain, swelling, and irritation.
Dr. Michael Courter can help restore the smile with periodontal disease treatment in our North Midland, TX dental office. It is important to treat signs of gum disease before they worsen because gum disease can exacerbate heart problems. Once the bacteria that irritate the gums enter the bloodstream, they can affect the heart. Many patients with severe gum disease may develop diabetes, heart disease, or strokes.
Dr. Courter provides periodontal disease treatment as a restorative dentistry procedure.
Look Out For These Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious and sometimes painful condition that can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Knowing the signs of gum disease can help you spot the issue early on and take action to protect your oral health. Here are some key signs to look out for that could indicate gum disease.
Common signs of gum inflammation include:
- Red and bleeding gums
- Gum irritation and pain
- Swollen and sensitive gums
Gum inflammation is the first step toward gum disease, a common but serious oral health condition. As gum inflammation progresses, it can lead to painful ulcers and infections that can be difficult to treat. As gum inflammation slowly becomes gum disease, patients may experience:
- Bad breath
- Toothaches
- Receding gums
- Bone loss
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness of the gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth
Early detection and treatment of this condition is essential for keeping gums healthy. Please contact our office if you have noticed any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Our dentist can easily reverse gum inflammation using deep cleaning treatments and provide you with tips for a good oral hygiene routine.
Gum Disease Treatments at Michael C. Courter, D.D.S.
To help prevent gum inflammation from progressing into gum disease, Dr. Courter provides antibacterial rinses as well as scaling and root planing. In severe cases, we may refer the patient to a dental surgeon.
Antibacterial Rinse
A dentist will often prescribe antibacterial rinses to wash away harmful bacteria from the mouth. An antibacterial rinse will help prevent bacteria from colonizing the gum tissue and cause further gum inflammation. This rinse is similar to a mouthwash, but you can only get it with a prescription.
As an alternative, you can make a saltwater rinse at home. To create a saltwater rinse, combine half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Swirl the solution around in your mouth for around 15 seconds before spitting it out. This is not a cure, but a great way to kill excess bacteria and help your gums heal.
Scaling & Root Planing
Our dentist provides scaling and root planing in tandem. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar, a sticky buildup of bacteria, on the teeth and below the gum line. Root planing involves smoothing out any rough areas on the roots of teeth to help the gums reattach to teeth. This procedure helps reduce inflammation in the gums, improve oral hygiene, and prevent further damage to the teeth. Scaling and root planing can also be beneficial in preventing tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
Oral & Gum Surgery
We will refer patients with severe cases of periodontal disease to an oral surgeon. Gum surgery is a common procedure used to treat periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Oral surgery on the gums can help remove infected or damaged tissue and create healthier smiles. Gum surgery can also help prevent further damage caused by periodontitis, such as bone loss and tooth loss. The goal of gum surgery is to reduce inflammation and allow for better access to the roots of the teeth for cleaning and maintenance.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums? Call Dr. Courter for treatment in our North Midland dental office today at 432-287-9531 or request a dental appointment with him online. We will be happy to recommend the best treatments to help keep your gum disease at bay.