Preventing Gum Disease with Gingivitis Treatments in Houston

Often dismissed as a nuisance rather than a disease, gingivitis can ultimately have some far reaching consequences for those who don’t nip it in the bud when it first shows up.

Characterized by the tendency to have bleeding gums, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is the most easily treated stage. Proper oral care can prevent gingivitis, but should they be necessary, gingivitis treatments are available in Houston.

Stages of Gum Disease

Stage 1: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It may not always show any symptoms and can often go unnoticed because of that, but the main symptoms to look out for are:

·         Swollen or puffy gums

·         Tender or sore gums

·         Perpetual bad breath

·         Gums changing color to a milky white

·         Receding gum line

Stage 2: Periodontal Disease is the second stage and brings with it more consequences.Most notably, the gums are painful and bright red, possibly with pus developing. You may also notice loose teeth or space developing between teeth.

Stage 3: Advanced periodontal disease is even worse, with teeth actually falling out, the gums receding great distances, and jawbone infections developing.

Taking care of gingivitis early on will prevent it from advancing to the later stages, which are much more difficult to treat.

Causes and Risks

The primary cause of gingivitis is the buildup of plaque along the gumline.

Plaque is the waste material of bacteria, and it becomes a haven for the disease spreading bugs to grow. As plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which is more difficult to remove and protects the bacteria from at home care.

The main risks associated with developing gingivitis stem from poor oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth will greatly reduce your chances of developing gum disease, though there are other risk factors as well.

Smoking, old age, prescription medications, and diabetes can all increase the risk of getting gingivitis.

Gingivitis Treatment in Houston

Your local Galleria dentist can easily diagnose and treat gingivitis, leaving your mouth clean and your smile bright. You should schedule an appointment with your Houston dentist as soon as you discover the symptoms of gingivitis developing.

Diagnosis of the disease is typically conducted with a thorough visual examination of the mouth and description of symptoms you’re experiencing. Should no obvious signs be detected, more thorough examinations such as x-rays may be necessary.

A complete deep cleaning of teeth is usually more than enough to treat gingivitis, and the best dentist in Houston certainly has the tools and methods needed to clean teeth exceptionally well.

Beyond a deep cleaning at the dentist, your Memorial dentist will also recommend brushing and home care techniques to prevent further development of gingivitis.

She will teach you the proper way to brush your teeth to effectively remove plaque from the teeth, along with flossing and rinsing to get rid of hidden plaque. All combined, these tips will help you keep your smile bright at home.

The Best Treatment from the Best Dentist in Houston

Taking care of your teeth is important to your overall health. We’re here to ensure your teeth get the care they need to be healthy.

Through teaching of proper cleaning techniques at home, you can prevent the onset of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Should you discover the symptoms of either of these two diseases, we’ll help you bring it under control so you can bring back your smile.