Gum Disease Treatment – McKinney, TX

How Does Gum Disease Develop?

The number one cause of gum disease is plaque development. When plaque collects in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene, bacteria inside that plaque begins to irritate the sensitive gum tissue. This causes the tissue to become red, tender and inflamed. After enough time, the connective tissue holding teeth inside the gums begins to breakdown. Periodontitis can easily set in if your gums aren’t given proper treatment. This condition require professional intervention from a dentist through gum disease therapy.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

In the early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, blood may start to appear after you finish brushing or flossing. This is a sign that you need to brush and floss more often as well as see the dentist for a cleaning. However, other symptoms should be taken into consideration. These include:

• Red or purple gums
• Tender, swollen, puffy or sensitive gums
• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer than usual
• A difference in the way your denture fits
• Chronic bleeding of the gums
• Pain while chewing

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Treat Gum Disease?

Scaling and root planing are the first lines of defense against prolonged gum disease. Scaling is the process of removing hardened plaque (tartar) from along and beneath the gum line. Only a dentist can perform this procedure, which means no amount of at-home brushing or flossing will remove it entirely. Root planing is a procedure that works to smooth out the roots of teeth. This makes it easier for them to reattach to gum tissue after the plaque is removed.