Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment in Lake Highlands?

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? This could be the first sign of the earliest stage of gum disease. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This disease affects around 80% of the US population at some point in their lives. If it’s caught in its early stages, it can be reversed and prevented. But, if it persists, you may need gum disease treatment in Lake Highlands. Keep reading to learn more about gum disease, the common signs and symptoms, and what your treatment options are.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection or inflammation of the gums and supportive tissue. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, your gums may be bleeding and irritated. Thankfully, this can be reversed through routine brushing and flossing combined with regular dental visits. If the disease isn’t recognized and treated early on, it can lead to tooth and bone loss.

Gum disease can even affect your overall health. It has been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, immune disorders, and even Alzheimer’s.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The leading cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque and tartar that isn’t removed by routine brushing and flossing. If plaque isn’t removed, it turns into tartar, which can only be cleaned away by a professional. Here are some other factors that can cause gum disease:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Family history of dental disease
• Skipping dental visits
• Hormonal changes

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Because it can be reversed in its earlier stages, it’s important to recognize the common symptoms of gum disease:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Red or tender gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Painful gums
• Pain when chewing
• Change in bite
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist in Lake Highlands immediately. The sooner you visit your dentist, the better off your oral and overall health will be.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Thankfully, your experienced dentist can expertly treat gum disease to improve your oral health and prevent future damage. They will use a deep cleaning technique called scaling and root planing. With this treatment, your dentist will scale your smile to remove any plaque and bacteria from your teeth and under your gumline. They will then smooth out your tooth roots to make it harder for plaque and bacteria to collect under your gums in the future.

After learning more about gum disease, have you noticed any of the common symptoms? Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get a thorough examination and possibly a smile-saving treatment.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Jim Miller has been serving his Dallas community for over 30 years. He takes pride in providing quality dental care like gum disease treatment to keep his patients feeling great. He currently runs his own practice, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (214) 340-2111 for any questions.