How Gum Disease Therapy in Richardson Can Restore Your Oral Health

Have you noticed your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth? If so, you could be suffering from gum disease, a condition that impacts more than half of the adult population in America. A local periodontist says it’s dangerous to ignore the disease. As you read on, you’ll learn why gum disease therapy in Richardson is vital to restoring your oral health and preventing even more acute problems.

The Threat of Bacteria

The main threat to your oral health is bacteria growth. These microorganisms are always present and on alert, looking for leftover food and beverage particles to feed on. As they digest any remaining debris, they release acids that can contribute to gum decay.

If adequate dental care is neglected and the bacteria are allowed to hang around, they can eventually migrate beneath the gum line and cause germ pockets to form, which is the initial phase of gum disease.

What are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and here are some of the main symptoms to be on the lookout for:

• Receding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Inflammation, swelling or puffiness
• Bright red or purple spots on the gums
• Soft or tender gums that may be painful to the touch

If the condition isn’t treated in time, there can be more acute problems like permanent ligament and tendon damage and bone degeneration, which can lead to tooth loss.

How Your Gum Health Can be Restored

In the earlier stages of gum disease, counter-measures like a professional cleaning and improved oral care at home can reverse the condition, but for more advanced cases, a deep cleaning may be recommended. It involves the following two procedures:

• Scaling – The scaling procedure consists of your periodontist removing bacteria and plaque from beneath the gum line.
• Root Planing – The next step is to smooth the roots of the affected tooth to prevent any new bacteria from gathering and re-infecting the gums.

Prevention is Always Better

Although your local periodontist can help to restore your gum health, it’s always much better to avoid a problem if you can. Therefore, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day. You should also limit your consumption of foods and beverages that are high in sugar since this is the most preferred nutrient of bacteria.

If you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease, though, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to your periodontist in Richardson to schedule a visit today. By receiving proper care, you can soon improve your gum health.

About the Author

Dr. Yaritza Vazquez completed her residency in Periodontics at Boston University along with earning a Master’s Degree in oral biology, with a focus on inflammatory processes. Additionally, she maintains membership in The American Academy of Periodontology, and she is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Vazquez treats gum disease at EPO Dental Specialists, and she can be reached for more information through her website.