Your Dentist in Odessa Explains How Gum Disease Develops

Have you noticed blood in the sink after you brush your teeth? Do your gums appear red and swollen? Do you have bad breath that you just can’t get rid of? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. How did this happen? What can you do to manage your condition? Your dentist in Odessa has answers for you.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease occurs when excessive plaque buildup causes your gums to become irritated and  separate from your teeth. This allows harmful bacteria below the gum line, which causes an infection of your gums and jawbone. If this infection is left untreated, it eventually destroys your bone and soft tissues, which results in tooth loss.

Treating Gum Disease

If you notice any of the symptoms of gingivitis, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. When you’re proactive about treating gingivitis, it can often be successfully managed with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to your home care routine. In some cases, it may even be reversed.

Periodontitis, which is the later stage of gum disease, may require a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing to eliminate plaque, tartar buildup, and infection. Antibiotics may be recommended for some patients, and surgery may be required in severe cases.

Preventing Gum Disease

Did you know that it’s actually very simple to protect your oral health and prevent gum disease from happening in the first place? It’s true! With consistent visits to your dentist every six months, gum disease can be detected very early on, which improves your chances of treating it successfully.

During an examination, your dentist can actually detect gum disease much earlier than you can since there aren’t many symptoms or much pain in the beginning stages. Your hygienist will remove the excess plaque buildup that causes gum disease during your cleaning. They will also give you tips for making the most of your home care routine, which helps to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay year-round.

If it’s time for your next cleaning and checkup, give your dentist in Odessa a call today to schedule your next appointment. Your oral health depends on it!

About the Author

Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center combines the talents of Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Steven Boyles to bring you a combined total of nearly 80 years of experience and knowledge. Patients will enjoy our relaxed atmosphere, while also knowing that they are receiving the highest quality dentistry in the area.

If you would like to learn more about Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, we can be contacted by calling 432-685-7011 or online through our website.