The Causes and Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Are your gums red and sore? Do you notice blood spots while brushing your teeth? These are classic symptoms of gum disease. Lucky enough, your gum infection can be reversed if you seek treatment promptly. At Vivid Dental in Houston, Texas, we offer numerous treatment options to restore your health to its glorious self.

Causes of gum disease

Gum disease begins as a mild inflammation of the gums, but the infection spreads to the bones and other tooth-supporting structures when treatment is delayed. But what are the causes of gum disease? Here is why you may have infected gums:

• Poor oral hygiene: You may be diligent in cleaning your teeth, but it only takes a slight slip in your oral hygiene for gum disease to set in. Poor oral hygiene leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar that eventually inflames your gums. Also, even if you clean your teeth daily, your toothbrush and interdental cleaner can’t reach all the surfaces of your mouth. In light of this, you need professional dental cleanings every six months to remove stubborn tartar in hard-to-reach areas.
• Smoking: Tobacco use inhibits saliva production and also affects the gums’ healing ability, leaving the gums susceptible to bacterial infection.
• Suppressed immunity: HIV, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions that compromise your immunity, may put you at risk of gum disease.

Besides, certain medications, medical procedures, genetics, and poor diet can increase the risk of gum disease.

Gum disease treatment options

Treatment of gum disease depends on the extent of the progression of the condition. For mild gum disease (gingivitis), deep cleaning removes tartar and plaque below the gum line and on the tooth’s surface, reversing the condition. Where gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, gum grafting may be the best option to restore your oral health. Moreover, we combine medications such as antibiotics with other treatment options to keep gum disease in check.

Periodontal Treatment Near Me in Houston, TX

Are you suspecting that you have gum disease? You must seek treatment immediately to salvage your gums and teeth. If you are in Houston, TX, and its environs, please dial 281-809-4902 to book an appointment with Vivid Dental for gum disease treatment.