Gum Disease (Periodontist) in Missouri City
Dr. Carlos A. Alonso, DDS
Many people in Missouri City, Texas suffer from gum disease or periodontitis. In its earliest stages, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. If you think that you might have gingivitis or periodontitis, it is important for you to seek general dentistry in Sugar Land at Alonso Family Dental. Taking action can help to prevent other health problems and could help you to save your teeth.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. If it is not treated, the infection can spread to the surrounding structures, including those that support your teeth in your jaw. If you do not treat periodontal disease early, your teeth can loosen and fall out. Periodontal disease has also been linked to a variety of other medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Watch this video to learn more about gum disease.
If you’d like to speak with Dr. Alonso contact us today!
(281) 778-8400
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
There are a number of symptoms of periodontal disease, including the following:
Swollen or bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Red, inflamed gums
Receding gums
Increased spacing between the teeth
Chronic bad breath
Tenderness
What causes periodontal disease?
Dental plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth after you eat, and it contains bacteria. If the bacteria and plaque are not removed by brushing and flossing, your immune system will kick in an effort to kill the bacteria. The immune system’s response causes inflammation in your gums. If you do not go to the dentist on a regular basis and allow your oral hygiene practices to slip, the plaque and bacteria can extend below your gum line. Over time, you can then develop gingivitis. If you do not take care of gingivitis, it can lead to more severe forms of the disease and the loss of teeth.
Risk factors for periodontal disease
In addition to poor oral hygiene and the buildup of plaque, there are other risk factors for periodontal disease. Some of the risk factors of this disease include the following:
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Misaligned teeth
- Clenching or grinding teeth
- Hormones
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
These risk factors can both increase your risk of developing periodontal disease and also make it more difficult to treat.
Periodontal disease prevention and treatment
To prevent periodontal disease, it is important for you to see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning. You should also brush your teeth after every meal and at least two times per day. Flossing is likewise important and should not be skipped. Using an antibacterial mouthwash after you brush and floss your teeth can also help you to remove plaque and maintain good oral health.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may also recommend some of the following treatments:
- Root planing
- Gum scaling
- Periodontal surgery
- Get general dentistry in Sugar Land for periodontal disease
If you think that you might have periodontal disease, it is important for you to act. Dr. Carlos Alonso at Alonso Family Dental has helped people in Sugar Land and Missouri City for more than 10 years. We offer an anxiety- and pain-free experience to our patients, and our staff members are highly trained professionals. Call us today to schedule your dental appointment.