When people think about dental health, cavities are typically the first thing that come to mind. But there’s another condition that affects nearly half of adults, often without pain or obvious symptoms, that can quietly damage not only your smile, but your overall health: gum disease.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the gum tissues that support your teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and below the gumline. This plaque irritates the gums and hardens into tartar (calculus), which is difficult to remove with toothbrushing or flossing alone and requires special tools used in professional dental cleanings.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: Early gum disease. Gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the damage is reversible.
- Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease. Infection spreads below the gums, causing irreversible bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or teeth that appear “longer”
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s important to have the gums evaluated, even if your teeth don’t hurt.
Gum Health and Your Overall Health
Gum disease doesn’t only affect your mouth. Research continues to show a strong link between gum health and overall health, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Inflammation throughout the body
- Pregnancy complications
If you have a medical condition such as one listed above, gum health matters even more. Gum disease increases inflammation in the body, which can affect important health indicators like blood sugar control and blood pressure. Keeping your gums healthy helps support your body as a whole.
The Importance of Treating Gum Disease
When caught early, gum disease can be managed with professional cleanings and improved home care with guidance from your dentist and hygienist. More advanced cases may require specialized periodontal treatment. In any case, the goal is the same: to stop the infection, protect your bone, and preserve your natural teeth.
At Katy Trail Dental, we take a personalized approach, which means:
- Thorough gum evaluations and measurements
- Treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
- Advanced techniques with patient comfort at the forefront
- Close collaboration with specialists to address complex care needs
The best way to fight gum disease is prevention:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush – an electric toothbrush is proven to be the most effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean between visits.
- Floss every day
- Keep up with regular professional cleanings – at least twice a year, sometimes more frequently to ensure your gum health is adequately addressed.
Schedule Your Next Visit
Gum disease is common, silent, and serious. The good news is that it is largely preventable with the right care. If it’s been a while since your gums were last checked, or if you’ve noticed bleeding or tenderness, now is the perfect time to take that first step. Call our office at 214-380-9071 or schedule an appointment through our website.