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About half of Americans have gum disease. When this infection of the gums goes untreated, it can contribute to serious issues, not just with your oral, but your overall health. Effectively treating gum disease is vital to your longevity and quality of life. That’s why Dr. Matthew P. Huff of Precision Dentistry & Implants of Kerrville, TX, offers effective gum disease treatment options.
Call us at (830) 896-8343 to learn more about gum disease and our effective treatment options, or keep reading our helpful guide below.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common and often preventable oral infection that develops from excess bacteria in your gum tissue. It typically starts with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums.
When plaque isn’t effectively removed through proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, it can harden into a substance called tartar or calculus. As plaque and tartar build, bacteria can spread through your gum tissue and cause an infection, increasing your risk for a variety of other health issues.
Periodontal disease progresses in two main stages:
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease. It’s characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially when you brush or floss. However, in this stage, many patients may not notice any symptoms. Gingivitis is usually reversible with proper dental care, including regular dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene habits.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone starts to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These pockets can become infected, and as the body’s immune system responds, it can lead to the destruction of the supporting structures around the teeth. This can result in tooth mobility, tooth loss, and other complications.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease include the following:
Untreated gum disease can have a significant impact on your health and is associated with several systemic diseases. Here, we’ll break down these potential connections and provide more detail for each systemic issue:
Studies have suggested a link between gum disease and an increased risk of stroke. The exact mechanisms behind this association are still under investigation, but the chronic inflammation and infection in the gums may contribute to inflammation in the bloodstream. This systemic inflammation can lead to the development of blood clots or the narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of strokes.
Pregnant people with gum disease may be at a higher risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight. The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease can produce systemic inflammation, which might lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Expectant mothers must maintain good oral health to reduce this risk.
Emerging research suggests a potential connection between gum disease and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation and harmful bacteria from gum disease may play a role in cognitive disorders. However, this area of study is still evolving, and more research is needed to establish the exact mechanisms behind this association.
Gum disease has also been associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. Inflammation plays a key role in this connection. Chronic gum inflammation can lead to the release of inflammatory markers into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the blood vessels and the heart. Additionally, the bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, potentially contributing to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Research has shown a bidirectional relationship between gum disease and diabetes. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, as high blood sugar levels weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, including those in the gums. On the other hand, gum disease can make it challenging to manage blood sugar levels. The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease may lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. This interplay can result in poorer diabetes management and potentially more severe health complications.
With proper maintenance, it’s often easy to prevent periodontal disease. Dr. Huff offers these tips for stopping infection before it occurs:
For those suffering from mild to moderate gum disease, Dr. Huff provides root planing and scaling. Root planing and scaling is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure used to treat periodontal disease. During the scaling and root planing procedure, Dr. Huff meticulously removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the tooth roots and below the gumline. The scaling and root planing process helps Dr. Huff treat gum disease by reducing inflammation and promoting gum tissue healing, preventing the progression of the infection.
For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, Dr. Huff can perform pinhole gum surgery. Pinhole surgery, also known as the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), is a minimally invasive procedure for treating gum recession. Instead of traditional gum grafting, PST involves making small pinhole-sized incisions in the gums and repositioning the gum tissue over the exposed tooth roots. This technique is less invasive, causes less discomfort, and typically results in a quicker recovery than conventional gum grafting methods.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is often reversible with proper dental care, including regular cleanings and improved oral hygiene. However, advanced stages of periodontal disease, like periodontitis, can be managed but not completely reversed.
Yes, gum disease can still develop in some cases, even with diligent oral hygiene. Factors like genetics, certain medical conditions, and medications can increase the risk of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups help detect and address any issues early, even if you maintain good oral care.
Take the first step towards a healthier smile and a healthier you. If you have concerns about gum disease or want to explore effective treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Matthew P. Huff at Precision Dentistry & Implants in Kerrville, TX. Call us today at (830) 896-8343 to learn more about periodontal disease, its impact on your overall health, and our comprehensive treatment solutions.
Precision Dentistry & Implants proudly serves Kerrville and surrounding areas such as Center Point, Fredericksburg, and Ingram, TX. Your oral and systemic health matter — let us help you safeguard both.
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Dr. Huff only uses the best when it comes to in-office technology at Precision Dentistry & Implants. We value your comfort and your time above all else. New advances in dental technology allow us to treat you with expert precision in a comfortable and timely manner.
The team feels close-knit with great attitudes. Hard to find that. It’s like they have passion for life and living it intentionally and it flows into all that they do. They just get it!
One of the best dental experience I have ever had. I loved my dentist in Austin, so when I moved, I was very nervous – but no longer. They really make going to the dentist feel like self care, as it should feel
Dr. Huff and his staff are wonderful. I felt at ease and truly cared for before, during, and after my procedure. My smile looks amazing and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
One of the best dental experience I have ever had. I loved my dentist in Austin, so when I moved, I was very nervous – but no longer. They really make going to the dentist feel like self care, as it should feel
