Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that can lead to significant damage if left untreated. It starts with the accumulation of plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — along and under the gumline. This bacteria releases toxins that inflame and irritate the gums, leading to early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. If it progresses, gum disease can destroy the supportive bone and tissue around your teeth, causing teeth to become loose and even fall out. Additionally, untreated periodontal disease has been linked to overall health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, making it vital to address promptly.
You may be dealing with gum disease if you are noticing symptoms such as:
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily (especially when brushing or flossing)
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Gum recession
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further progression and protect your oral health.
At Louetta Orthodontics & Family Dentistry, we prioritize personalized treatment to effectively manage and control gum disease. After a thorough evaluation, our dentists and team may recommend a range of therapies depending on the severity of your condition. For mild cases, a professional cleaning and adjustments to your at-home care routine may be sufficient to reverse early-stage gum disease. However, for more advanced cases, additional procedures like scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria from below the gumline — may be necessary. This treatment helps to smooth the root surfaces, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to reattach and gives the gums a chance to heal.
In cases where the infection has caused significant tissue damage, we may also discuss surgical options or use targeted antibiotic therapies to control the infection more effectively. Every step of your treatment is carefully designed to halt the progression of gum disease, restore your gum health and preserve the structure of your smile.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to maintain a healthy smile. If you suspect you may have periodontal disease or would like more information on gum disease therapy in Spring, Texas, we encourage you to contact our office at 936-236-4202 and make an appointment with Dr. Taha or Dr. Al Azzawi. Together, we can help protect your smile and enhance your overall wellbeing.