What Causes Gum Disease To Form?

Once we develop gum disease, there is no cure. However, routine care could help manage the issue and protect your smile from major complications, such as adult tooth loss. But what causes the disease to form in the first place, and what steps can we take to safeguard our smiles? Your El Paso, TX, dentists discuss periodontal health in today’s blog.

The Factors Behind Gum Inflammation

Gum disease is the result of untreated inflammation, which cause the gingival tissues to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets for bacteria to enter, leading to the disease. The cause of the initial inflammation vary, but include plaque buildup as a result of poor oral hygiene, smoking or tobacco use, inflammatory illnesses, certain medications, or a family history of poor gum health. The initial inflammation, known as gingivitis, we can be reversed with treatment. Gum disease cannot be cured, but we can manage the issue to prevent periodontitis, the advanced stage that is linked to adult tooth loss and severe discomfort.

When to See Your Dentist

You should let us know if you experience any changes to your smile. Often, inflammation and periodontal disease may result in sore, red gums, swelling near the gum line, blending when you brush and floss, or bleeding gum tissue. If you experience one or more of these potential warning signs, then please let our team know right away. Treatment can help control the issue and protect your smile from serious complications!

Possible Solutions

With a deep cleaning, known as a scaling and root planing, we use special technology to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots, which helps close periodontal pockets and allow healthy tissue to flourish and reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. The procedure can take one visit or up to four, depending on the extent of your periodontal troubles. For more severe cases, we may use gum contouring to carefully trim away diseased tissues, again allowing healthy tissue to adhere to the teeth, closing gingival pockets and improving overall oral health. To help at home, make sure you not only brush your teeth every day, but that you also floss thoroughly before going to bed each night. Try to avoid tobacco products and eat a healthier diet, which helps limit plaque buildup in between your routine six-month checkup and cleaning appointments. If you have any questions, then contact our team today!

TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO ABOUT PERIODONTAL TREATMENT

At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we would love to offer routine care to manage and protect your oral health from periodontal troubles. We want to help you enjoy a full and healthy smile for years to come! If you have questions about our approach to preventive care, then you can reach our East El Paso dental practice on 10039 Dyer St., at 915-859-7000!