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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a preventable condition that can lead to tooth loss if not treated and can impact your overall health. Dr. Davis and his team at My Sherman Dentist emphasized the importance of prevention and early intervention to safeguard your smile. If you’re in the Texoma area and would like to learn more about maintaining your gum health, contact us to schedule an appointment today!
“Combating gum disease to safeguard your oral and overall health.”
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition that affects the structures that hold your teeth in place, including your gums, bone, and connective tissues. Without treatment, gum disease continues to be one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Prevention and Early Treatment | Deep Dental Cleaning
Preserving Your Gum Health | Preventing Tooth Loss
Prevention and Early Treatment
Deep Dental Cleaning
Preserving Your Gum Health
Preventing Tooth Loss
How Can You Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease?
- Brush and floss daily to remove plaque before it hardens to tartar.
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce cavity-causing bacteria.
- Keep up with your regular dental exams and cleaning to address any problems as they develop.
- Steer clear from smoking to prevent its devastating impacts on your gums.
- Consume a healthy, balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to boost your immunity.
- Drink plenty of water to flush away plaque and food particles.
- If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of gum disease.
What Are the Health Impacts of Gum Disease?
Aside from your oral health, gum disease can affect your overall health. Gum disease-causing bacteria can enter the bloodstream, impacting your organs and systemic health. Studies show a connection between gum disease and serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and even pregnancy complications.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
The first step in treating gum disease is a deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing (SRP). The non-surgical treatment begins with removing plaque and tartar buildup from along and below your gum line, followed by cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces to promote healing.
Depending on the extent of damage or your unique needs, we may recommend treatment with ARESTIN after your deep dental cleaning. We will place the antibiotic powder into the gum pockets, where it is released gradually over time, targeting gum-disease bacteria at the source.
After treating gum disease, most of our patients require periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. We will thoroughly clean your teeth, measure the depth of the periodontal pockets, and assess your gum health. We will intervene, if needed, to maintain your gum health. It’s also important to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices that include regular brushing and flossing.
What Are the Causes of Gum Developing Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is the lack of proper oral hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque, a sticky film of bacteria starts building up around and below the gum line. The body’s immune response leads to inflammation, marking the first stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
If not treated, gingivitis may progress to a chronic and more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which gradually causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces known as periodontal pockets that trap bacteria and debris, leading to infection. Over time, the infection can break down the oral structures supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Other risk factors for gum disease include genetics, aging, smoking, chewing tobacco products, poor nutrition, diabetes, and hormonal changes, including those that occur during pregnancy. Regular dental checkups and good home oral hygiene practices are the best ways to promote long-term healthy, beautiful smiles.
Gum Therapy Near Me Serving Sherman, TX, and the Texoma Area
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about treating and managing gum disease, contact My Sherman Dentist today. We’re happy to answer your questions and offer personalized care to get your gum health back on track.
Call 903-444-9500 to schedule your appointment or request an appointment online today.