All About Periodontal Gum Disease

Do you have chronic bad breath? Notice that your gums are swollen, red or bleeding? You may suffer from a common condition known as periodontal gum disease. Common symptoms of periodontal disease to look out for include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Red Gums
  • Swollen Gums
  • Receding Gums
  • Tender Gums
  • Bleeding Gums
  • Toothaches
  • Loose Teeth
  • Tooth Loss

Only the earliest stage of periodontitis (gingivitis) is reversible through professional dental treatment. Once the disease has progressed, treatment is only capable of managing the disease and symptoms associated with it. It is extremely important to schedule routine professional dental care to reduce your risk for periodontal disease and ensure optimal health.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal gum disease and is the only stage in which treatment can actually reverse the disease. When plaque is not properly removed and begins to build up at the gum line, it produces toxins which cause gum irritation and gingivitis.

Think you may have gingivitis? Schedule your appointment with our periodontists in Pearland today!

Periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis eventually becomes periodontitis. During this stage of periodontal gum disease, the supporting bone and tissue responsible for holding your smile in place are irreversibly damaged. Pockets usually begin to form around teeth, allowing debris, bacteria, and plaque to become trapped.

For advanced periodontal disease, we recommend a deep cleaning. Schedule your appointment with Harmony Dental today!

Advanced Periodontitis

During the final, most advanced stage of periodontal gum disease the tissue and bone which support your smile are destroyed, and teeth often begin to shift, loosen and even become dislodged. Ultimately the function and appearance of your smile will become compromised.

In severe cases of periodontal disease, tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, and more aggressive treatment options may be necessary. Ready to manage your advanced periodontal disease? Schedule an appointment with our Pearland periodontist today.

Schedule Your Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Today

Are you interested in starting gum disease treatment in Pearland? Feel free to contact Harmony Dental today! We would be happy to examine your smile and overall oral health to determine whether you may benefit from our periodontal treatment.

Consider Asking Your Dentist About a Fluoride Treatment

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the fluoridation of water has reduced the decay in teeth of adults and children by about 25%. Additional treatments can raise that amount even more.

Fluoride: A Shield for Your Teeth

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of our teeth, which helps to fight against decay caused by plague and bacteria. As the acids formed by the bacteria fight against the teeth, we lose fluoride through a process called demineralization.

Fluoride Both Prevents and Repairs Tooth Decay

The fluoride we take in through the foods we eat, fluoridated water, and through treatments helps to replace the fluoride lost in the demineralization process. In addition to fighting against cavities, fluoride can help to repair early stages of decay through a process called remineralization.

Fluoride Comes in a Variety of Forms

There are many ways that fluoride treatments can be applied. At home, methods include rinses and special toothpaste, but their fluoride level is not as high as the treatments offered by your dentist. The most common forms found at dental offices are varnishes, gels, and foams. The higher concentration of fluoride offered by in-office treatments is much more beneficial than any at home methods.

Fluoride Intake Is Important at All Ages

Every single patient can greatly benefit from fluoride treatments: toddlers, adolescents, tweens, teens, adults… everyone! To help with the development of children’s teeth, it is recommended that children receive consistent fluoride treatments from around 6 months and on. When the teeth are in their formative stages, the fluoride treatments can help your children start their oral health on the right foot. For adults, fluoride treatments can greatly help fight against cavities as we become older and lose more fluoride.