Dr. Glen Wainwright provides gum disease treatment in Austin, Texas. The infection of gum tissue causes periodontitis, or severe gum disease. Plaque that infects the gums can inflame them and cause bleeding. As gum infection progresses, pockets can form between teeth, loosening them or causing them to fall out. Learn the causes of this common disease as well as the restorative dental options for treating periodontitis below.
Causes of Gum Disease
Patients who smoke, use tobacco, and take certain medications may be more prone to developing gum disease than other patients. Poor brushing habits, diets high in sugar, diabetes, poor saliva production, crooked teeth, and hormonal changes are all possible causes of periodontitis. However, brushing and flossing twice a day is the main preventative measure against bleeding gums and gum disease. You should also schedule regular dental cleanings and visits to the dental office to ensure that you are getting the oral care you need.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It’s important to know the signs of gum disease. The most obvious sign of gum disease is bleeding from the gums when brushing. Eating certain foods like hard candy or chewing tobacco can also cause this. Here are several signs of gum disease to look out for:
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Sensitive gums
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Toothaches
- Mouth sores
- Redness on or around the gums
- Periodontal pockets (gaps) between teeth and gums that cause food debris buildup
If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, call Austin Dental Care for comfortable bleeding gums treatment at 512-518-6392. Dr. Wainwright and his team are passionate about giving patients an array of options as solutions for their dental problems.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Dentists offer these common surgical and non-surgical bleeding gums treatments for patients with gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two treatments that a dentist uses together to help clean gums and fight gum inflammation. The Scaling process goes beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar and provide a deep clean. Root planing smooths out tooth roots to help gums reattach to teeth.
Gum Graft Surgery
During this treatment, the dentist or oral surgeon takes healthy tissue from one part of the mouth and uses it to cover tooth roots. Your dentist can use gum grafting to prevent tooth loss that often occurs in later stages of periodontitis.
Flap Surgery
The dentist lifts the gums and cleans out tartar from beneath them. He can treat deep gum pockets using flap surgery for a healthier end-result.
Gum Disease FAQs
Is gum disease contagious?
No, you can not directly get gum disease from someone who has it, or give someone gum disease. Periodontal disease is not transmissible by kissing, or sharing food and drinks. However, it can spread within your own body and cause other health concerns.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, although mostly only in severe cases of gum disease infections. If you have gingivitis or regular bleeding gums, you don’t have to worry about your teeth falling out overnight. However, it is possible to lose teeth if your gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis. You may already be showing signs of loose or wiggly teeth.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early intervention by your dentist can manage and reverse gum disease. Your dentist can take steps to reduce and reverse your symptoms without the need for invasive procedures. It is much more difficult and a longer process to get rid of advanced periodontitis, the later stage of gum disease.
I think I may be in the early stages of gum disease. What treatment will I require?
Scaling and root planing is the most common process for patients in the early stages of gum disease. Your dentist may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash before a scaling and root planing procedure as well. The procedure will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth in order to prevent periodontitis, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
Schedule a Periodontal Exam with our Dentist in Austin, TX
Dr. Wainwright is a dentist in Austin, Texas that provides patient-centered dental services. You can call Austin Dental Care today for bleeding gums treatment at 512-518-6392, or schedule an appointment online to visit Dr. Wainwright. We serve dental patients near you in West Austin, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, and all of Travis County, Texas.