Gum Disease Treatment – Houston, TX
Tackling Gum Disease & Keeping Your Smile Healthy
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems across the globe, affecting an estimated one out of every two adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, Dr. Johnson offers thorough, custom-tailored options for gum disease in Houston. So, if your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our office! The sooner you do, the higher the chances are of us being able to manage and reverse your symptoms to keep your smile healthy.
Why Choose Downtown Houston Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Streamlined, Accessible, & Convenient Dentistry
- Conveniently Located in Downtown Houston
- Serving Houstonians for 40+ Years
What is Gum Disease?
When people think of gum disease, they often think of gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of the infection. However, it is possible for it to turn into periodontitis if it’s left untreated. This can have severe consequences on your oral and overall health, including tooth loss. Not only that, but there isn’t a way to fully cure it, only to manage it. That’s why it’s so important that you don’t take the “wait and see” approach when you notice that something is wrong, even if it’s something as seemingly harmless as bleeding when you floss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Here are a few symptoms we recommend keeping an eye out for between visits:
- Gums that are more swollen than usual
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Teeth that look longer (this could be due to gum recession)
- A change in your bite
- Permanent teeth that feel slightly (or extremely) loose
Remember, when they’re left unaddressed, the infection can advance and cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. So, it’s important that you call us ASAP.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
There isn’t a cookie-cutter answer. That’s why it’s so important that you schedule an appointment! During this visit, Dr. Johnson will learn about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, review your dental history, and complete a comprehensive oral exam. Then, he will share his findings as well as his recommendations on the best way to proceed.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a gum disease treatment in Houston that takes place over the course of two steps. During the first, Dr. Johnson will clear all plaque and tartar from the surface of your smile, as deep as the pockets of your gums. Following that, he will smooth out the surface of the roots of your teeth, which will allow your gums to reattach and protect this vulnerable structure from being attacked by bacteria.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
What’s the best way to prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Of course, your oral hygiene regimen shouldn’t end there. After all, brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface. To remove plaque, food particles, and other debris from between your teeth and along your gumline, you need to floss and rinse with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each morning or evening as well.
Important reminder: Your biannual checkups ensure that gum disease is caught (and treated!) in the early stages. So, even if you take good care of your smile at home, you need to schedule an appointment every six months.
How common is gum disease?
You may have heard over the years that gum disease is common. But what does that mean, exactly? In short, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 4 in 10 adults who are 30 years old or older have some form of gum disease. Additionally, roughly 60% of adults 65 or older have periodontitis. That’s why we encourage our patients to do what they can to reduce their chances of developing this serious infection, starting with committing to a solid oral hygiene regimen at home.
Are there any risk factors associated with gum disease?
Yes, there are several risk factors associated with gum disease in Houston, including poor habits, like smoking and not flossing consistently. There are also several that can’t necessarily be controlled, like age, gender, and genetics. Rest assured, we can discuss each of these more in-depth with you during your visit and, if an infection does develop, eliminate it before it has a chance to wreak havoc on the look and health of your smile.
Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Since dental plans vary greatly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. With that said, many providers do cover a portion of the cost of gum disease treatment in Houston. So, don’t hesitate to read through the fine print on yours or provide us with your membership information when you call to schedule your appointment.
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only way you can make the cost of the care you need more affordable. So, don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from reaching out to us! We’d be happy to discuss the different financial solutions that are available, including CareCredit flexible financing.
Is mouthwash good for gum disease?
Mouthwash can help control the bacteria and inflammation responsible for gum disease. That’s why we encourage our patients to rinse with an antimicrobial one once a day. It’s also important to rinse for a full 30-60 seconds (time yourself – it’s longer than you think!).