Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when bad bacteria infect the gums, due to any number of reasons. Often, gum disease begins because of poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, or dry mouth.
Plaque builds up on the teeth every day, and if it’s not brushed and flossed away, it hardens into tartar. This leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually erodes the connective tissues and bone that support teeth.
Redness and inflammation of the gums are usually the first signs of periodontal disease. This stage is called gingivitis and is quite easily treated. However, once the disease progresses into periodontitis, more invasive treatments are necessary. The damage gum disease causes can be reversed, but the disease itself is chronic and so it cannot be cured.
If you have red, swollen gums, the best thing you can do is contact your Austin, TX dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale. At Austin Laser Dentist, we provide innovative, gentle laser dentistry to treat gum disease and promote the repair of damaged tissue. Contact our team today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragsdale.
Other Symptoms of Gum Disease
Red, swollen gums are just the beginning of gum disease. As the infection progresses, other symptoms will appear. These include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Mouth sores
- Moving teeth
Some people don’t seek treatment for symptoms until the disease has progressed into advanced periodontitis. At this stage, tooth loss, gum grafts, and bone grafts may be necessary to restore good oral health.
At your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments every six months, Dr. Ragsdale will find and treat infection in the earliest stage.
Our Treatment Methods
At Austin Laser Dentist, we believe prevention is the best policy. But, when it comes to gum disease, catching it in the initial stages is the next best thing. Dr. Ragsdale uses minimally invasive laser dentistry to treat gingivitis, as well as more advanced cases of periodontal disease. These include:
- Gum surgery
- Scaling and root planing
- Laser pocket decontamination
- Gum grafts
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Bone grafting
Effects of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; it has been linked to a variety of overall health problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes complications
- Low-weight births
- Lung conditions
Periodontal disease contributes to these health problems, as well as cancer and prostatitis, in men more often than in women. Men are nearly 20 percent more likely to have some type of gum disease and should always maintain good oral health habits in order to decrease their risk.
Women are not as prone to these overall health issues. However, there are certain factors that increase a woman’s risk of periodontal disease, such as:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Post-menopause
These are most likely caused by an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Women should be conscientious about their oral hygiene during these times, especially during pregnancy as gum disease has been linked to premature birth.
Contact Your Austin Laser Dentist Today
Dr. Ragsdale and our team are passionate about providing minimally invasive, effective treatments for all types of oral health problems. However, our greatest achievement is helping our patients altogether avoid problems like gum disease. Contact our friendly staff today to learn how we can help you achieve great oral health and a fantastic smile.
