Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, begins as gum inflammation, or gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria on and around the gums. 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 his 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.
Signs of Gum Disease
Common signs of gum inflammation include:
- Red and bleeding gums
- Gum irritation and pain
- Swollen and sensitive gums
As gum inflammation slowly becomes gum disease, patients may experience:
- Bad breath
- Toothaches
- Receding gums
- Bone loss
Please contact our office if you have noticed any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum inflammation can be easily reversed with deep cleaning treatments and a regular oral hygiene routine.
Treating Gum Disease
To help prevent gum inflammation from progressing into gum disease, Dr. Courter provides antibacterial rinses as well as scaling and root planing. Antibacterial rinses are often provided at routine appointments to wash away harmful bacteria from the mouth. Scaling and root planing are also routine treatments that are used in tandem. For scaling treatment, one of our dentists will use specialized tools to remove plaque, a sticky buildup of bacteria, from around the gums. Root planing smooths down the tooth roots to help them reattach to teeth. We will refer patients with severe cases of gum disease to an oral surgeon. Oral surgery on the gums can help remove infected tissue and create healthier smiles.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums? Call Dr. Courter for treatment in his Midland dental office today at 432.287.9531 or request a dental appointment with him online. He will be happy to recommend the best treatments to keep gum disease at bay.