Love Your Gums: The Importance of Periodontal Care

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health condition that remains today’s leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Covenant Dental, we are committed to preventing, treating, and managing gum disease to help our valued patients in the Fort Worth area maintain long-term healthy smiles. We offer personalized periodontal care tailored to your unique needs. Contact our Fort Worth practice to get started today!

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a chronic condition affecting the gums, bone, and connective tissue that support your teeth and keep them firmly in place. It usually results from plaque and tartar buildup irritating the gums, which leads to inflammation. Additional risk factors include a family history of gum disease, smoking, misaligned teeth, certain medications, diabetes, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.

In addition to being a serious oral health concern, studies have shown a strong link between gum disease and an increased risk of a host of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. Periodontal care can help improve your gum health and overall well-being.

What are the stages of gum disease?

The following is a look at the stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease. Warning signs may include red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed when brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible in most cases because, at this stage, there is no permanent damage to the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
• Early periodontitis: Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation and infection intensify, and the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces known as pockets where harmful bacteria flourish. The inflammation and infection may also begin to affect the bone and connective tissue.
• Moderate periodontitis: As the inflammation and infection progress, the periodontal pockets deepen, and the bone and tissue loss become more significant. While damage at this point is not reversible, periodontal care combined with meticulous oral hygiene practices can prevent further progression.
• Advanced periodontitis: At this severe stage of gum disease, patients often experience deeper periodontal pockets, painful chewing, significant bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Prompt care can help prevent any further damage.

How is gum disease treated?

At Covenant Dental, we typically start gum disease treatment with a deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Our dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler and specialized tools to gently and thoroughly clean your teeth and gum line, removing any plaque and tartar deposits, followed by cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces. Scaling and root planing have been shown to help prevent further plaque and bacterial accumulation, promoting healing.

Depending on your needs, we may also recommend subgingival irrigation. This involves using a high-pressure stream of water and an antimicrobial agent to flush bacteria and toxins from your periodontal pockets, preventing gum disease from progressing.

What is periodontal maintenance?

After treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. Your appointment will include a thorough evaluation of your gum health and a professional dental cleaning. It is also important to maintain meticulous at-home oral hygiene practices, which include daily brushing and flossing, to keep your gums as healthy as possible and your teeth intact.

Periodontal care in Fort Worth, TX

Gum inflammation and infection often go unnoticed, which is why it’s important to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings. Our patient-centered team at Covenant Dental will check for signs of gum inflammation and recommend treatment, if necessary, to restore your gum health. We strive to keep your smile at its best for many years to come. Call us at 817-204-6686 to schedule your appointment, or visit our online booking portal to choose the best time for you.