George T. Philip, DMD Blog

For many adults, gum disease goes unnoticed until it’s too late and they have a serious infection. However, there are ways you can change your oral health routine to avoid gum disease, and warning signs to look for. In Sunnyvale, TX the dental practice of Dr. George Philip can help you prevent and treat periodontal (gum) disease. Call to schedule an appointment today.

How Periodontal Disease Affects Dental Health

As we go through our daily routines eating, drinking, breathing, our mouth is producing bacteria. That bacteria reacts to sugars in our mouth to form an acid that can decay our teeth. When these bacterial colonies form between gums and teeth and are not removed during regular oral hygiene, periodontal disease can develop. As the disease progresses, gums become irritated or inflamed. They usually darken to red rather than pink. Left untreated infection can form below gums leading to abscessed teeth or gum recession. Bacterial growth will interfere with your gum tissue’s ability to support teeth. You may notice teeth shifting or falling out when gum disease is left untreated overtime.

In addition to the many adverse dental health effects, gum disease can harm your whole body health. Periodontal disease puts you at greater risk for many illnesses including heart disease and blood clots. The oral infection from the gum disease can spread to other parts of your body causing severe illness, and in extreme cases, death. It is essential that gum disease be treated quickly.

Do I Have Periodontal Disease?

Like so many chronic illnesses, gum disease can go unnoticed, until it has already cause a serious amount of oral health damage. However, committing to periodic dental checkups and hygiene appointments at least twice a year will help you avoid this because your dentist will often spot warning signs more quickly than you might. Here are some of the warning signs and symptoms of gum disease you should be aware:

• Red or inflamed gums
• Tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Severe halitosis (bad breath)
• Sores in your mouth
• Pus or other signs of infection around teeth
• Discoloring of teeth near the gum line
• Recession of gum tissue
• Teeth that feel loose or new gaps or spaces between teeth
• Bite stops feeling natural/pain when chewing

Sunnyvale Gum Disease Therapy Services

Periodontal disease can range from an extremely mild case often referred to by dental practitioners as gingivitis to severe cases that can have a detrimental health effect often called periodontitis. The gum disease therapy we offer is determined by the severity of your infection. For mild or moderate cases non-surgical therapy and antibiotic treatment are often able to fully restore periodontal health. Some non-surgical therapies are:

• Prescription of antimicrobial mouth rinse, oral antibiotic, antibiotic gel, or other medications to treat infection and kill the bacteria
• Regular dental cleanings can remove most plaque and tartar buildup caused by bacteria bonding to tooth that can irritate and infect gums
• Deep cleanings including scaling and root planing may be necessary, if the gum disease has spread or is severe
  • Scaling – scraping away of plaque and tartar from above and below the gums
  • Root planing – generally combined with scaling removes bacteria from the root of the tooth, and smooths the surface making it harder for bacterial colonies to form on root and easier for the gum to reattach
• Laser dentistry has been extremely affective in removing bacteria. Additionally, laser treatment can help avoid further gum irritation and reduce healing time.

In the most severe cases, periodontal disease may require one or more surgical procedures including bone or soft tissue grafts, bone tissue regeneration, flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery and more. In these severe cases, our office will likely refer you to a periodontal specialist for treatment.

Find Out More

If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of gum disease or have been putting off visiting the doctor for regular checkups and cleanings, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Philip’s convenient Sunnyvale, TX dental practice. We can help heal your gums, and keep you smiling. Our office welcomes patients from Mesquite, Balch Springs, Rowlett, Rockwall, Dallas, and other local communities.