The health of your gums is paramount to your overall oral health. Your teeth are supported and surrounded by gum tissue; when it is healthy and strong, your teeth have a better chance of fending off infection and harmful oral bacteria. Below, learn why gum disease occurs, and the two stages of its progression, including gingivitis and periodontitis. If you are currently suffering from gum disease symptoms in the Austin, TX area and are looking for a dentist who can help you restore your oral health, consider Dr. Helen Ragsdale of Austin Laser Dentist! Dr. Ragsdale offers periodontal therapy using laser technology which reduces patient discomfort and can improve treatment accuracy and reduce procedure costs.
For more information about our unique approach to periodontal care through laser technology, contact our office at 512-346-4690.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease). It is an inflammation of the gum tissues that surround teeth, and if not treated properly, can advance into periodontitis or advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis is caused by the failure to adequately remove plaque and tartar buildup around the gumline through infrequent or incorrect brushing or failure to receive timely professional cleanings. This plaque and tartar plays host to harmful oral bacteria that feed off of starches leftover in the mouth from eating and drinking. As the bacteria grow, they release acids that slowly erode tooth enamel and break down gum tissue.
Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Inflamed or red gums
- Sores in the mouth
- Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or eating
- Bad breath
- Pain or sensitivity of the gums
- Loosened teeth
- Receding gum line
The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed by Dr. Ragsdale through a deep cleaning process. Our team can also help you prevent future gingivitis through education about proper brushing and flossing techniques, targeting the vulnerable gum line area.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease. In this stage, gum tissues begin pulling away from teeth and developing deep periodontal pockets. These gaps between your gum tissue and teeth can attract harmful oral bacteria and remain out of reach for conventional brushing and flossing techniques.
Dr. Ragsdale can diagnose periodontitis through an oral examination and by measuring the depth of your gum “pockets” around the teeth. Average, healthy mouths have gum line pockets of less than 3 millimeters. If your gum pockets measure more than 3 millimeters, Dr. Ragsdale must eliminate the periodontal pockets and bacterial infections through laser gum surgery or a process called root scaling and planing. This process involves special laser technology instruments which can remove plaque and tartar buildup underneath the gum line and around the tooth to heal the area and recreate a tighter bond between the gum and tooth.
Once the infection is eliminated, Dr. Ragsdale and our team can help you develop new oral hygiene habits that will keep infection and periodontal disease at bay. Periodontal disease is known to follow certain patterns, so by maintaining regular appointments with Dr. Ragsdale and practicing diligent care at-home, you can prevent future periodontitis and improve your oral health for years to come.
Contact Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale
If you are concerned about the health of your gums and are interested in laser technology to improve your treatment experience, contact our Austin, TX practice. Dr. Helen Ragsdale has been helping patients resolve gum disease for over 30 years and is committed to using the newest, least invasive techniques available through laser technology. If you are ready to meet Dr. Ragsdale and begin your journey towards a healthier mouth and happier life, call us at 512-346-4690.
