Are your gums red or puffy? Are they sore or sensitive to the touch? If so, you may have developed gum disease. Typically caused by the presence of bacteria near the gum line, gum disease is a persistent disease that often becomes more damaging without treatment. This tendency to progress into a more damaging form stems from the way that gum bacteria disarm the immune system. These bacteria prevent the body’s natural bacteria-fighting response, allowing them to thrive and become more damaging. Thankfully, gum disease can be treated. Your Waco dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke, discusses gum disease treatment and its benefits.
Gum Disease and Your Teeth
When gum disease develops, it typically begins as gingivitis. The inflammation of the gums may not strike some people as serious, but without treatment, gingivitis can quickly develop into periodontitis, a more damaging form of gum disease that attacks the ligaments and tissues around the base of teeth. As these ligaments decay, teeth become looser and can eventually fall out. Thus it is very important that gum disease bacteria be removed before tooth loss occurs.
Gum Disease Treatment
The key to treating gum disease is removing bacteria. Brushing and flossing are very important when it comes to bacteria removal and gum disease prevention. By angling toothbrush bristles toward the gums and flossing consistently, patients can keep teeth free of bacteria and help to prevent gum disease. However, if gum disease develops, a deeper cleaning is necessary. Often called a root planing and scaling, deep cleaning of the gums and teeth can remove bacteria and treat gum disease. A root planing and scaling often involves the opening of pockets that have formed as a result of gum disease so that bacteria can be removed.
Schedule a Visit with Your Waco Dentist
Are you plagued by puffy, sore gums? Do you suspect gum disease? Don’t neglect dental care. Schedule a visit with your Waco dentist, Dr. Locke, today by calling 254-776-4888. Our 76172 dental office serves patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.