Periodontal Disease Treatment in Houston

Treatment for periodontal disease in Houston is pretty standardized in so far as the treatments themselves go.

The root cause for periodontal disease is the same across the board: hardened plaque causing tissue degradation in the gums.

There are several risk factors that can increase the chances of developing gum disease, but the root cause is always the same.

Risk Factors of Periodontal Disease

Smoking is one of the leading risks for developing gum disease. The chemicals contained in cigarettes and other tobacco products degrade the tissue in gums, which makes it easier for bacteria to invade.

Other conditions, such as diabetes or AIDS reduce the body’s immune system and ability to fight infection, which increases the chance of developing periodontal disease.

Even medications to treat these and other problems can increase the risk of gum disease.

Prevention of Periodontal Disease

Prevention is the best method for protecting against gum disease, with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home. It’s also important to visit your local Houston dentist twice yearly for a checkup and cleaning.

These regular cleanings at the dentist remove collected plaque from teeth, especially around the gums and between teeth, preventing the accumulated bacteria from spreading.

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Houston

If home care and regular checkups aren’t enough to stave off the onset of periodontal disease, there are treatments available at your local Memorial / Galleria dentist.

There are three primary methods for treating periodontal disease in Houston: scaling, root planing, and medication.

Scaling is a process of scraping hardened plaque, called tartar, from the teeth around the gum line. The tartar is a haven for bacteria that feed on and damages gum tissue, leading to the disease.

Root planing smooth’s out the roots of teeth around the gum line to prevent bacteria from clinging to the teeth out of reach of toothbrushes.

Medication is administered to treat the underlying infection, which can be located well inside the gums. Antibiotics kill off the infection and bacteria, allowing the body to heal itself afterward.

Medication can be administered in a variety of ways, including medicated mouth rinses and pills.

After visiting a Houston dentist for periodontal disease treatment, your body will begin healing itself. With proper home care and regular visits for checkups, you can prevent gum disease from returning.