Early Signs of Gum Disease

If you need to do a better job of keeping up with optimal oral hygiene at home, you may have early signs of gum disease. If that is the case, general dentistry is available to you at Barton Oaks Dental Group, and we can get you in right away for a thorough evaluation to look for signs of periodontal disease.

If you note any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be time to see a general dentist:

  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Red, swollen gums (healthy gums are firm and pink)
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth even after brushing
  • Gums that have receded
  • Painful gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit and feel when biting down
  • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
  • Red, swollen gums (healthy gums are firm and pink)
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth even after brushing
  • Gums that have receded
  • Painful gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit and feel when biting down

Interestingly enough, gum disease may progress without pain or any other symptoms, even in the late stages of the disease. For this reason, regular visits to your general dentist are imperative. Only the keen eyes of your dentist and hygienist can spot troublesome areas on your gums. Our amazing dental technology helps us detect and treat gum disease.

In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build-up, causing the gums to become inflamed; you will notice your gums bleed while you brush and floss. Although the gums may be irritated in the early stages of gum disease, the teeth are still secure in their sockets; no irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred in the early stages.

Advanced Gum Disease

If gum disease treatment is not sought, you will likely develop mild periodontitis. When this occurs, the bacteria have seeped into your gums, affecting the supporting bone. Your gums may pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where toothbrushes and dental floss cannot reach.

Moderate periodontitis occurs when bacteria erode the ligaments, soft tissues, and bones that hold your teeth in place. You may even notice pus around the pockets and have bad breath due to infection.

Advanced periodontitis will likely occur without treatment, and bone loss will continue. Your teeth will become loose and eventually fall out if your gum disease is untreated.

Gum Disease Treatment in Austin

The gum disease treatment needed depends on the severity of your periodontitis and some health factors like your age and whether or not you smoke cigarettes. After a thorough evaluation by a Barton Oaks general dentist, a periodontal disease treatment plan will be discussed.

As you read about the different types of gum disease treatment available at Barton Oaks, please remember that we have advanced dental technology, including lasers, that help us treat or eliminate your periodontal disease.

  • Dental cleanings in the office
  • Improved oral hygiene at home

These are conservative treatments for those people in the early stages of periodontal disease known as “gingivitis.” We can work together to stop the harmful bacteria from growing and spreading.

  • Scaling/root planing

Like teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing focus on cleaning deep beneath your gums to remove plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach. If your gum disease is mild, your general dentist will likely recommend this procedure. Our innovative laser technology enables us to perform scaling and root planing in less time and less discomfort for the patient.

Later stages of periodontal disease may require antibiotics and gum surgery.

If your gum disease has advanced so far that a periodontist (gum disease specialist) is needed, your Barton Oaks general dentist will explain what happens next. With preventative dentistry and twice-yearly visits to your general dentist, you will hopefully never need a periodontist.

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment in Austin, Texas

If you’re due (or overdue) for a dental exam, please contact Barton Oaks Dental Group at (512) 327-6947 to schedule an appointment. If you have questions or want to schedule online, simply fill out our online contact form. One of our dental team members will reach out soon to help you.