Stop Gum Disease Before It Starts
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It often develops without pain, so many people don’t even realize they have it. At Your Total Dental & Orthodontics in Temple, TX, we check for signs of gum disease at every routine dental visit to help keep your smile healthy and strong.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—builds up on teeth. If not removed through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, this plaque hardens and releases toxins that irritate the gums.
Over time, this leads to the formation of small pockets between the teeth and gums, where bacteria continue to grow. There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: In the early stage, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed while brushing or flossing. This stage is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis. In this advanced stage, the bone and tissues that support the teeth get damaged. Teeth may loosen or even fall out without treatment.
Common Symptoms
You may have gum disease and not know it. Still, some warning signs include:
- Gums that bleed easily or feel swollen and tender
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Ill-fitting partial dentures
If you notice any of these signs, contact us right away for an evaluation.
How We Treat Gum Disease
The team at Your Total Dental & Orthodontics offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, depending on how advanced the gum disease is:
- Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- Antibacterial treatments: May be used to control infection and support healing.
- Laser therapy or surgery: In more severe cases, surgical care may be needed to clean infected areas or repair damaged gum tissue.
- Dental implants: If tooth loss has occurred, we may recommend dental implants as a permanent solution.
Preventing Gum Disease
Good home care is the best defense against gum disease. Here's what we recommend:
- Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if advised
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use
- Schedule regular cleanings and exams with us
At Your Total Dental & Orthodontics in Temple, TX, we’re here to help you keep your gums and teeth healthy for life. Call us today to schedule your visit or learn more about our personalized gum disease treatments.
