Gum Disease Treatment In Cibolo & Schertz
If you have receding gums, painful and tender gums, or you’re suffering from bad breath that just won’t go away, you may have gum disease. More than 50% of all American adults have some form of gum disease, and many are completely unaware of their condition. But at Cibolo Family Smiles, Dr. Niraj Patel is here to help. With expert periodontal care in Cibolo and Schertz, we can halt or reverse the effects of gum disease, preserve your smile, and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with a dentist in Cibolo and get the help you need!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called “periodontal disease,” is a very common oral health problem. There are many things that contribute to the risk of gum disease. However, the biggest contributing factor is poor oral hygiene, often combined with a diet high in sugar and processed foods.
When you do not brush and floss properly, bacteria will build up between your gums and teeth. Eventually, these bacteria will form into plaque and tartar, and they will start attacking your gum tissue. Initially, this does not cause serious damage, and only results in some minor symptoms like gum inflammation.
But if it’s left untreated, the bacteria may continue to attack your gums, and will eventually permanently damage your gums and the support structures of your teeth. This can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms like shifting teeth or even total tooth loss.
Top Signs Of Gum Disease
The signs of gum disease vary depending on the stage of the disease. The first stage of gum disease is minor and reversible, and is called “gingivitis.” You will typically experience symptoms like gum swelling and tenderness, as well as gum discoloration. Your gums may look dark or red instead of pink. You may also have bad breath (halitosis), and your gums may bleed easily when you brush or floss.
As your condition gets worse, your gums may recede, exposing more of your teeth and making them look longer. You may experience pain and tenderness when biting and chewing, and you may even have a foul taste in your mouth that won’t go away. These are symptoms of periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease.
In the final stage, known as “advanced periodontitis,” you may have a foul taste in your mouth, pus forming between the gums and teeth, and loose teeth. Your bite may change, and you may even lose one or more of your teeth.
How Periodontal Care Helps Treat Gum Disease
The most common treatment for gum disease is called “deep cleaning” or “scaling and root planing.” In this procedure, Dr. Patel will use special tools to clean deeply between your teeth and gums. He will remove bacteria, smooth out the roots of your teeth, and use antibiotics to help destroy any remaining bacteria.
Periodontal care helps halt or reverse the progression of gum disease. Gingivitis, the first stage of the disease, is reversible. With help from Dr. Niraj Patel in Cibolo, you can clean away bacteria, restore your oral health, and keep your smile healthy with great at-home oral hygiene.
More severe cases of gum disease are not reversible, but can be controlled with periodontal care. This halts their progression, and keeps your mouth healthy. With regular periodontal maintenance from our team, you will be able to preserve your remaining teeth and your oral health.