Stages of Gum Disease

The periodontal types can be classified into four categories which are as follows:

• • • • Gingivitis

Periodontitis begins with gingivitis, which is the primary stage of gum disease. The first sign of gum disease is bleeding, red, and irritated gums. There can also be some discoloration of the teeth. This is the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is caused because of the build-up of food particles and bacteria on the teeth.

Bacteria are always present in our mouth, but the condition worsens when their level increases. Lack of brushing and flossing can lead to gingivitis. It is to be noted that, gingivitis is curable as well as reversible. Thus, if the gum disease gets diagnosed in this stage, it can be completely reversed with the help of Periodontal treatments.

• • • Early Periodontal Disease

During the early phase, the gums recede or pull away from your teeth and small pockets are formed between the teeth and gums. These pockets become the storehouse of harmful bacteria and your immune system tries to fight back the infection. Eventually, the gum tissue begins to recede. You are likely to experience bleeding while brushing and flossing along with some bone loss.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

If the disease is left untreated, it will progress and lead to bleeding and pain around the teeth along with gum recession, says the dentist near you. The teeth will begin to lose bone support and become loose.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

In the advanced disease, the connective tissues holding your teeth in place begin to deteriorate. Also, the gums, bones, and other tissues supporting the teeth get destroyed. In the case of periodontitis, you will experience severe pain while chewing along with bad taste in mouth and halitosis. If you have been avoiding the treatment for a long time, it is time to get the periodontal (gum) treatments by seeing a dentist near you.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

• • • Bad breath
    • Gums which bleed while brushing and flossing
    • Changes in the position of teeth/ loose teeth
    • Receding gums
    • Tooth loss
    • Red, tender, and swollen gums
    • Foul taste in the mouth
    • Buildup of plaque
    • Pain while chewing
    • Inflammation throughout the body

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is time for you to see the dentist near you for a periodontal treatment plan.

Periodontal treatment phases

• • • Oral Hygiene Measures

The dentist will instruct you to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use an electric brush for effective results. Flossing at least once a day is important. You must make it a point to see the dentist in every 6 months for cleaning and examination. Smoking and chewing tobacco are a big NO.

• • • Professional Cleanings

During a professional cleaning, the dentist will remove the plaque build-up and tartar from your teeth and roots followed by polishing your teeth and treating them with fluoride. The periodontal pockets may need a deep cleaning for healing. Scaling and root-planing help in scrapping the tartar and removing rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria get accumulated.

• • • Antibiotics

In some cases, the dentist prescribes antibiotics for dealing with persistent gum infections that don’t respond to cleanings. The antibiotic is not always in the form of pills but it can also be in the form of gel and mouthwash as well.

• • • Follow-Up Appointments

The dentist will ask for a follow-up appointment after a week or two and then every six months for evaluating your progress. If the pockets are still present, he may recommend surgery.

• • • Surgery

If inflammation persists after trying all other types of treatments, the dentist will recommend getting a surgical procedure done known as flap surgery for cleaning the deposits under the gums. The gums are lifted and the roots are cleaned followed by suturing the gums back into the place.

Causes of Gum Disease:

The contributing factors giving rise to this chronic dental problem include:

• • • Inadequate Oral hygiene
    • Poor diet and deficiency of nutrients
    • Organic changes in the mouth
    • Certain hormonal changes
    • Patient’s medical condition
    • A person who is ill, diabetic or have severe heart issues
    • Saliva Flow Inhibitors
    • Poor Functional Habits

Gum Disease sounds scary. However, taking timely precautions like brushing regularly, using mouthwash, opting dental check-ups can help to prevent and cure gum diseases.

Advance treatment gum disease

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry which deals with the issues related with the structure supporting teeth. If gum disease is advanced, periodontics offers certain treatment procedures to help you heal your gums soon. These advance treatments may include:

• • • Tissue Regeneration: If your gum inflammation is severe and resulted into bone damage, then to strengthen the structure and functionality of your gums, professional gum disease treatment expert might suggest you to go for tissue regeneration therapy.
    • Pocket Elimination Surgery: It includes reshaping your jaw bone to eliminate the gaps that might have lodged bacteria leading to gum disease.
    • Laser Therapy: It helps in restoring the damages gum tissues.

Based on the severity of gum infection and one’s budget, periodontics can offer treatment and medications. If you are also facing constant pain and swollen gums, it’s time to seek professional help. Go for an initial diagnosis to detect and cure your gum infections.

What are Dental Veneers?

The dental veneers are sometimes also known as porcelain dental veneers or porcelain laminates. They are thin shells that are custom-made for patients to improve their esthetic appearance. The veneers are placed on the front surface of the teeth and are made choosing the color, which is nearest to the shade of your teeth as it helps them in blending seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They can also be made from resin composite, but the porcelain ones are more popular as they are stain-resistant and also have the light-reflecting property of natural teeth. However, the dentist can help in determining the best choice of material for veneers for you.

Issues Fixed by Dental veneers

• • • The veneers can help in fixing the discolored teeth. The discoloration may happen due to many reasons such as root canal treatment, smoking, excessive exposure to fluoride, and anything else.
    • The dental veneers help in offering a new look in case of the worn-down teeth.
    • Chipped or broken teeth can also be covered with dental veneers.
    • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth can also be camouflaged by dental veneers.
    • The gaps between the teeth can be addressed with the help of veneers.

Dental Veneers Procedure

• • • Consultation and Planning the Treatment

The first step is treatment planning. The dentist first has a look at your teeth and the dental issues that you are facing. You can also let them know about the kind of smile you want and ask them to show some before and after pictures of their previous clients. He will take some x-rays and discuss it with you about the treatment. The dentist may also take some impressions of your teeth and mouth.

• • • Preparing the Teeth for Veneers

The next step is preparing your tooth for getting veneers placed on them. The dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of the enamel from the tooth surface. He may administer local anesthesia before trimming off the enamel. Next, the dentist will take the model or an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab for preparing the veneers. It may take 2-4 weeks for you to get the veneers made. If required, the dentist in Katy, TX may place a temporary veneer.

• • • Fixing the Veneers

Before cementing the veneers on your teeth, the dentist will check the fit and size and make necessary trimming so that the veneers can fit well. Next, he will clean your teeth, followed by polishing and etching so that the surface can become rough for attaching the enamel. A special cement is applied to the veneers and then they are placed on the teeth. After placing the veneer, the dentist will show a special light for hardening the veneer. He will then remove the excess cement and examine your bite.

Benefits of Porcelain veneers

• • • They offer a natural-looking appearance to teeth.
    • The porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.
    • They don’t need extensive shaping.
    • The gum tissues have been observed to tolerate the porcelain well.
    • The color of the veneers can be selected in a way that you can whiten your teeth.

Taking Care of the Veneers

You must take care of the veneers just like your natural teeth. You must maintain the routine oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste for keeping your mouth free of decay and cavities. Make sure that the dental hygienist uses nonabrasive polish during the cleaning appointments. Also, wear a nightguard if you have a habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.

Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride is one of the most important element to make your teeth stronger. Most of your fluoride requirements are completed from water that you consume every day. If you still feel that your tooth needs a little more protection in the enamel, choose a fluoride mouthwash as it will give your tooth the strength to fight against decay.

Alcohol-Free, Chloride or Organic Mouthwash

Natural and herbal mouthwash can be a choice for you if you like to stay away from the regular mint flavored mouthwashes.

Antimicrobial Mouthwash

If you suffer from a problem of bad breath and oral cavity, you should consider scheduling an appointment at your dentist to get rid of this dental problem. A dentist might prescribe you an antimicrobial mouthwash. Antimicrobial mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine that helps you treat your gums and other problems. It might it stain your teeth a little bit but it will work ok in getting rid of any gum disease or mouth sores that you have.

Remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing every day. You need to brush and floss your teeth every day in order to maintain good dental health.

If you feel that you have a toothache or your tooth is sensitive suddenly, this is not a co-incidence. You need to make sure that you take a immediate appointment of any dentist near you. Call Katy dental experts in order to schedule an appointment an get rid of all your dental problems once and for all. We have expert doctors which will help you understand the problem that you have and an effective solution that you can have immediately.

Cavities are caused by infectious germs

Cavities are generally caused due to germs and if not treated at right time, it may spread to your near and dear ones. Sharing the same utensils, foods and kisses can spread these germs and thus cause cavities. If you are pregnant, it is high time you get cavity treatment so that germs of cavity do not get into a child.

Snacking too frequently can cause cavities

It is not always that high sugary snacks or high carb food are to be blamed for cavities. Intake of snacks quite frequently throughout the day can also increase the effect of cavity germs. Every time you eat something sweet, the germs remain behind your mouth which multiplies to develop an acid. This can affect mouth, resulting in cavities.

Even “healthy” foods can lead to decay

Many believed that energy drinks and chocolate bars are good for teeth but this is not true. Cavities may be caused due to extra sweet or chewy food. It is thus better to intake healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, water and nuts.

Over your lifetime, a cavity costs more than $2,000

If cavities exceed, the treatments become quite essential but with right and healthy snacking and eating habits, this can be prevented. It is always better to go for regular checkups. You can also use fluoride toothpaste with suggestion from dentists near you. Right care helps you stay away from cavity and thus it could also help you save the amount you would have spent for treatment cost.

Just by taking right care of your mouth and maintaining appropriate oral health and hygiene, you can say no to cavity for lifetime. It is important to get regular checkup for identifying cavity at right time.

Cavities are caused by infectious germs

Cavities are generally caused due to germs and if not treated at right time, it may spread to your near and dear ones. Sharing the same utensils, foods and kisses can spread these germs and thus cause cavities. If you are pregnant, it is high time you get cavity treatment so that germs of cavity do not get into a child.

Snacking too frequently can cause cavities

It is not always that high sugary snacks or high carb food are to be blamed for cavities. Intake of snacks quite frequently throughout the day can also increase the effect of cavity germs. Every time you eat something sweet, the germs remain behind your mouth which multiplies to develop an acid. This can affect mouth, resulting in cavities.

Even “healthy” foods can lead to decay

Many believed that energy drinks and chocolate bars are good for teeth but this is not true. Cavities may be caused due to extra sweet or chewy food. It is thus better to intake healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, water and nuts.

Over your lifetime, a cavity costs more than $2,000

If cavities exceed, the treatments become quite essential but with right and healthy snacking and eating habits, this can be prevented. It is always better to go for regular checkups. You can also use fluoride toothpaste with suggestion from dentists near you. Right care helps you stay away from cavity and thus it could also help you save the amount you would have spent for treatment cost.

Just by taking right care of your mouth and maintaining appropriate oral health and hygiene, you can say no to cavity for lifetime. It is important to get regular checkup for identifying cavity at right time.

Even when people understand that how important is dental health, they still ignore it. It is quite easy to overlook dental hygiene but this must not be ignored. Unhealthy habits like avoiding regular floss, intake of excess sugary drinks and using a wrong toothbrush can actually cause dental issues.

Dental Health is important, neglecting which can lead to issues such as tooth decay, cavity, gum disease, broken tooth, etc. Poor dental health may cause further dental health issue like halitosis, gingivitis, jaw issues and cardiovascular problems, etc.

Dental health has also had a lot to do with overall health. When dental health issues further exceed, the bacteria of the mouth may cause certain serious issues like heart disease. In order to avoid dental issues and overall health issues, it is important to keep your teeth clean. Brush twice a day and floss your teeth daily.

Poor dental hygiene may also add up an extra cost to your pocket. If you avoid dental care, the dental issue may further exceed which can only be treated with advanced dental treatment. This dental treatment comes with its own attached cost. These costs can be avoided with proper care and daily dental hygiene.

Some tips for easy Dental Care:

• • • Firstly, clean your teeth twice a day and remember to use the right toothpaste. You must change your toothbrush every three months.
    • Secondly, floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particle trapped between the teeth.
    • Thirdly, know what you are eating and drinking, avoid those foods which can damage your teeth.
    • Fourthly, Eat fruits after a meal to stimulate the natural defense system of your mouth.

Dental health has also had a lot to do with overall health. When dental health issues further exceed, the bacteria of the mouth may cause certain serious issues like heart disease. In order to avoid dental issues and overall health issues, it is important to keep your teeth clean. Brush twice a day and floss your teeth daily.

Poor dental hygiene may also add up an extra cost to your pocket. If you avoid dental care, the dental issue may further exceed which can only be treated with advanced dental treatment. This dental treatment comes with its own attached cost. These costs can be avoided with proper care and daily dental hygiene.

Some tips for easy Dental Care:

• • • Firstly, clean your teeth twice a day and remember to use the right toothpaste. You must change your toothbrush every three months.
    • Secondly, floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particle trapped between the teeth.
    • Thirdly, know what you are eating and drinking, avoid those foods which can damage your teeth.
    • Fourthly, Eat fruits after a meal to stimulate the natural defense system of your mouth.

How to Recognize Periodontitis?

It’s the advanced form of gum disease and it is not always easy to detect explains the Katy dentist. But one of the first signs that you may become aware of is bleeding from the gums while brushing the teeth. When left untreated, it can lead to increased bleeding from the gums, bad breath, changes in the positioning of teeth in the jaws, gum recession, and pain.

Causes of Periodontitis

Our mouth has various species of bacteria which are harmless and live in harmony with their host. But when tooth cleaning is not enough, the bacterial deposits build next to the gums, forming plaque and the conditions become suitable for bacteria to flourish. When the plaque is not removed, it converts into tartar, which encourages growth of bacterial plaque towards the tooth roots. This leads to inflammation and development of periodontal pockets near gums where bacteria thrive.

What Can I Do to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

• • • The periodontal inflammation is not inevitable and the development of gum disease can be prevented by adopting oral hygiene habits such as:
    • Cleaning the chewing surfaces and sides of teeth twice daily with a brush.
    • Cleaning the space between teeth and where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach, using dental floss or interdental brush.

Tips for prevention and treatment of Periodontitis

• • • Following oral hygiene instructions and advice
    • Going for professional tooth cleaning for periodontics service twice a year
    • Taking antibiotics prescribed by the dentist for treating infection
    • Going for regular evaluation
    • Surgical treatments
    • Aftercare supportive therapy

How to Recognize Periodontitis?

It’s the advanced form of gum disease and it is not always easy to detect explains the Katy dentist. But one of the first signs that you may become aware of is bleeding from the gums while brushing the teeth. When left untreated, it can lead to increased bleeding from the gums, bad breath, changes in the positioning of teeth in the jaws, gum recession, and pain.

Causes of Periodontitis

Our mouth has various species of bacteria which are harmless and live in harmony with their host. But when tooth cleaning is not enough, the bacterial deposits build next to the gums, forming plaque and the conditions become suitable for bacteria to flourish. When the plaque is not removed, it converts into tartar, which encourages growth of bacterial plaque towards the tooth roots. This leads to inflammation and development of periodontal pockets near gums where bacteria thrive.

What Can I Do to Prevent Periodontal Disease?

• • • The periodontal inflammation is not inevitable and the development of gum disease can be prevented by adopting oral hygiene habits such as:
    • Cleaning the chewing surfaces and sides of teeth twice daily with a brush.
    • Cleaning the space between teeth and where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach, using dental floss or interdental brush.

Tips for prevention and treatment of Periodontitis

• • • Following oral hygiene instructions and advice
    • Going for professional tooth cleaning for periodontics service twice a year
    • Taking antibiotics prescribed by the dentist for treating infection
    • Going for regular evaluation
    • Surgical treatments
    • Aftercare supportive therapy