Think of your mouth as a thriving ecosystem. When everything's balanced, it's a flourishing garden. But when harmful bacteria infiltrate, it can turn into a battleground, threatening both your smile and your overall health. Gum disease affects millions of Americans, yet many people don't realize they have it until significant damage has already occurred.
Warning Signs Your Gums Are Calling for Help
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing: This isn't normal, despite what many people think
- Persistent bad breath that won't go away: Often caused by bacteria hiding in deep pockets
- Gums that feel tender, swollen, or appear red: Early inflammation signals
- Changes in your bite or loose teeth: Advanced signs that bone support is compromised
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary culprit behind gum disease is bacterial plaque buildup. Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species, but only a limited number of these species cause dental decay or periodontal disease.
When you don't brush and floss regularly, these bacteria proliferate along your gumline, forming a sticky film called plaque. As plaque matures, the bacterial community evolves from mostly harmless types to more aggressive varieties, causing inflammation and destroying tissue.
Along with bacteria, several factors create the perfect storm for gum disease: poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic stress, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and genetic predisposition, which affect your immune response to bacteria.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
The answer depends on the timing and disease stage. It’s comparable to a house fire. Catch it early, and you can put it out completely. Wait too long, and you're dealing with damage control. Even in later stages, gum disease is manageable.
Gingivitis (the reversible stage): This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It starts with red, puffy gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage, there's no permanent damage. Gingivitis is curable with proper treatment.
Periodontitis (the management stage): When identified and treated early, gum disease is reversible. But if there’s bone loss around your teeth due to infection, the disease is too advanced to cure. However, you can manage it with proper treatment and consistent, diligent oral hygiene.
Fresh 32's Comprehensive Perio Maintenance Program
At Fresh 32 Family Dentistry, we offer a partnership for gum disease prevention in Mesquite, TX. Our comprehensive perio maintenance program includes:
- One periodontal maintenance cleaning every three months
- Two routine dental exams annually
- Fluoride treatment with each routine cleaning
- Routine x-rays with each regular examination
- One emergency exam with x-ray yearly
- Up to 25% off additional treatments
Dr. Lalani uses state-of-the-art intraoral cameras to give you a front-row seat into your gum health. Intraoral cameras show a clear picture of the gums for early identification of periodontal disease. These cameras are used to look for inflammation, recession, and bleeding.
Early detection is deeply important for preventing the progression of gum disease. There are also several methods of treating gum disease, depending on its severity.
How to Cure Gum Disease: Three Proven Treatment Methods
1. Dental Cleaning and Oral Hygiene
For people with gingivitis (early periodontal disease), a reversal is possible through routine dental cleanings and better oral hygiene. There’s no bone loss at this stage, so better hygiene can root out harmful bacteria.
2. Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontitis treatment involves a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Dr. Lalani 'scales' tooth surfaces to remove plaque and tartar and 'planes' the root surfaces of your teeth to promote healing and reattachment of gum tissue to your teeth.
Think of it as giving your tooth roots a fresh start. We remove the rough spots where bacteria love to hide and create a smooth surface where your gums can reattach.
3. Advanced Treatments
In severe cases, we may recommend more advanced procedures to address periodontal disease. These leading-edge treatments can help restore some of the support your teeth have lost and may include:
- Antibiotic treatment for resistant bacteria
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Laser-assisted new attachment procedure
- Bone grafting
- Gum grafting
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma
Remember, the best course of action regarding gum disease is prevention.
Your Action Plan: Preventing Gum Disease Starts Now
Daily Defense:
- Brush two to three times daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoid tobacco products
Professional Partnership:
- Regular cleanings with x-rays every 6 months
- Periodontal maintenance every three months
- Address problems early, as they only get worse and more expensive
Protect Your Gums — Call Today
Don't wait until pain forces you to seek treatment. Preventive dental exams and cleanings are your best insurance against the discomfort and cost of gum disease. For gum disease treatment in Mesquite, TX, Dr. Khurram Lalani and the Fresh 32 team are committed to using comprehensive approaches to save your smile.
Ready to take control of your gum health? Contact Fresh 32 Family Dentistry in Mesquite, TX, at (469) 730-0090 to schedule your comprehensive gum disease evaluation. Your smile and your body will thank you.