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Many patients do not realize that their oral health is strongly connected to the overall health of their bodies. Studies have shown that systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers are linked to oral health and Periodontal disease. Dentistry focuses on promoting oral health and its link to preventing life-threatening diseases and ones which can impact the entire body.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection that affects not only the gums but also the bone that supports and anchors your teeth. It begins with gingivitis — gums that may appear red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, the infection can progress deeper, damaging the supporting bone and compromising the very foundation that holds your teeth in place. Over time, this can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

The Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
The most important thing is that Gum disease starts small and often silently, but if untreated, it can destroy the bone foundation that holds your teeth. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat — and the better chance you have of keeping your natural smile.

1. Gingivitis (Early Stage)
   Plaque builds up on teeth, causing gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
   At this stage, the infection is limited to the gums and has not yet affected the bone.
   Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and good home care.
2. Slight Periodontitis  
   The infection begins to spread below the gumline.
   Toxins from bacteria start to irritate the bone, leading to the earliest stage of bone loss.
   Gums may start to pull away from teeth, forming small “pockets".
   With timely treatment, damage can be controlled and progression slowed.
3. Moderate Periodontitis
   The infection becomes more advanced, causing greater bone loss and deeper gum pockets.
   Patients may notice gum recession, persistent bad breath, or teeth beginning to shift.
   At this point, permanent damage has occurred, but treatment can help save teeth and stabilize the condition.
4. Advanced Periodontitis
   The infection severely damages the bone and connective tissues supporting the teeth.
   Teeth may become loose, painful, or even fall out.
   Chewing can be difficult, and overall health risks increase.Advanced therapies or surgery may be needed to restore oral health.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Early gingivitis can sometimes be asymptomatic. Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus in the gum tissue

Periodontal Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Main Causes
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gums. If plaque isn’t removed daily through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be cleaned by a dental professional. This allows bacteria to spread below the gumline, infecting the gums and bone that support your teeth.

Common Risk Factors
‍Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease:

• Poor oral hygiene – not brushing or flossing regularly
• Smoking or tobacco use – the most significant preventable risk factor
• Genetics – some people are more prone to gum disease
• Diabetes – uncontrolled blood sugar increases infection risk
• Medications – certain drugs cause dry mouth or gum changes
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can make gums more sensitive
• Stress – weakens the body’s immune response
• Other health conditions – heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and more
• Clenching or grinding teeth – puts extra stress on supporting tissues
• Poor nutrition – especially lack of Vitamin C and essential nutrients

Why It Matters
‍Understanding the causes and risk factors is the first step in protecting your smile. Even if you have risk factors, early diagnosis and professional care can prevent serious damage and keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

How We Manage and Treat Periodontal Disease

The approach we take to treating and managing gum and bone disease depends on the patient's case and stage of periodontal disease.

Preventing Gum Disease and Addressing Gingivitis

We focus on gum disease prevention for all of our patients with comprehensive preventative dentistry (routine dental cleanings) and personalized oral hygiene recommendations.

For patients with gingivitis, we focus on eliminating harmful bacteria while improving oral hygiene to reverse gingivitis and prevent the development of chronic periodontal disease. The treatments we recommend to address gingivitis will depend on the patient, their medical history, and any potential risk factors. Treatment recommendations might include more frequent professional cleanings and examinations, antibacterial rinses or trays, and additional at-home oral hygiene recommendations such as the use of prescription toothpaste, mouthwash, and a water flosser.

Managing Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is chronic, meaning once it has developed it cannot be reversed. For patients with periodontitis, our treatment recommendations will vary based on the patient's needs and the severity of the infection. In addition to more frequent professional dental cleanings, treatments for managing periodontitis include:

• Antibiotics - Antibiotics are typically prescribed to help address more advanced periodontal disease. These antibiotics may be administered orally or applied via a rinse or gel.
• Scaling and Root Planing - In a scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist uses special tools to deeply clean the surfaces of the teeth and roots above and below the gum line. The roots are then smoothed to eliminate pockets and rough surfaces where bacteria thrive.
• Gingivectomy - A gingivectomy refers to a variety of different oral surgeries that are intended to remove dead and diseased soft tissues in addition to flushing bacteria from the tooth structures located below the gum line.
• Soft Tissue Grafting - For patients who have lost significant gum tissue to infection, a soft tissue graft can help regenerate the gum line.
• Bone Grafting - When bone degeneration has occurred as a result of infection, a variety of bone grafting or augmentation procedures can be performed to restore the patient's bone structure.
• Tooth Extraction - When bacteria harm the periodontal ligaments and jawbone that support the patient's natural teeth, tooth extraction might be necessary.

Each patient's recommended treatment plan is based on a variety of factors such as the severity of gum disease, general health, lifestyle, and previous treatments.

The Bottom Line
With the goal to stop infection, protect bone and preserve your natural teeth Periodontitis can be managed successfully. With the right combination of professional treatment, lifestyle changes, and ongoing maintenance, you can keep your smile healthy and strong.

Why Periodontal Treatment Is Essential

Periodontal disease can cause general inflammation throughout the body. The harmful bacteria infecting the gum tissues can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the entire system. As a result, gum disease is strongly linked to several serious systemic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, chronic respiratory infections, certain types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and reproductive health issues.

Get Healthier Gums and a Healthier Body With Our Dentist in Leander, Texas

If you experience the signs or symptoms of gum disease or are in a high-risk category, professional dental care is essential to safeguarding your oral health and your general well-being. Our dentist in Leander, Texas provides patients with comprehensive periodontal care designed to address gum disease in each stage. We welcome you to contact our dental office to request a gum disease consultation today.

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