Have you been noticing your gums feeling tender? Are they bleeding when you brush your teeth? It’s easy to dismiss these symptoms as minor, but they could be early signs of gum disease. Gingivitis and its more advanced stages can affect your oral health quietly and without obvious symptoms or warnings. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and even impact your overall health and well-being.
Our dedicated team has worked with patients for over 20 years at Dr. Peter Hazim’s office in Allen, TX. We’re dedicated to addressing your gum health issues with compassion and care. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage gingivitis or a more serious condition, we offer personalized treatment plans to help restore your gum health and protect your smile. We also use proven techniques to treat gingivitis and advanced gum disease, focusing on your comfort and long-term oral health. Together, we can take the steps to bring your oral health back on track.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gingivitis, also called gum disease, is an infection in the oral cavity that specifically affects the gums and surrounding tissues. These tissues generally provide support to your teeth, meaning an infection could make it harder to eat and speak. Often, gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria or plaque on the teeth, though there are other potential causes as well. For example, smoking tobacco, genetics, certain medications, and hormonal changes may also contribute to gum disease.
There are multiple types of gum disease, with the more mild form referred to as gingivitis. However, if gum disease worsens and grows more severe, it may be classified as periodontitis. Periodontitis often results in bone and tooth loss, while gingivitis is more restricted to the gums and tissues.
Gum disease can result in serious issues, such as increasing the risk of tooth loss, making it harder to chew properly, or even spreading the infection to the rest of your body’s bloodstream. If you suspect you have gum disease, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Dr. Peter Hazim’s office. We look forward to helping you identify the cause, treating the issue, and renewing your comfort and confidence.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
There are many potential signs and symptoms of gum disease, as well as those that may differentiate gingivitis from periodontitis.
The following are some common symptoms of gingivitis:
- Reddening in the gums
- Bleeding from the gums, especially due to flossing, brushing, or eating
- Swollen gums
- Tenderness in the gums
More severe signs of periodontitis include the following:
- Deep pockets between the teeth
- Receding gumline, or teeth that appear longer than normal
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Loosening teeth
- Bad breath, especially that which doesn’t go away after brushing
- Pain when chewing
If you notice any signs of gum disease, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance from a dental provider as soon as possible. A dentist or specialist with experience treating gum disease can easily and swiftly identify treatment options. Please contact our team at Dr. Peter Hazim’s office to mitigate additional pain and deterioration, and we’ll be happy to help you find a treatment that works for you.
What Are the Treatment Options for Gingivitis?
Depending on your circumstances and the overall severity of gum disease you’re experiencing, you will have different treatment options. However, more severe cases of gum disease generally require surgical intervention, using laser therapy or another periodontal surgery. More severe cases are also likely to require gum or bone grafts.
Less severe levels of gum disease, including gingivitis, should not generally require surgical intervention. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can often remove the underlying cause of gingivitis through a professional cleaning or scaling and root planing, also called deep cleaning. In some cases, your dentist may recommend going on antibiotics to ensure no remaining bacteria are left behind.
If you aren’t sure what kind of treatment you’ll need, we encourage you to come into the office and give Dr. Peter Hazim—or one of our other providers—a visit. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll be able to identify the severity of your case and create a treatment plan that works for you.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Once you’ve received treatment for your gum disease, you likely won’t want it to come back to bother you again. To help you and your dental team prevent gum disease, we recommend you try the following suggestions:
- Speak with your dentist to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid or limit smoking and tobacco products
- Eat a balanced diet and ensure you get all the nutrition you need from your meals
- Stay hydrated
- Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash
If you need any other pointers to maintain your oral health or prevent gum disease, we will happily give you tailored recommendations and hygiene education during your next appointment.
Why Should You Choose Dr. Peter Hazim for Your Gum Disease Treatment?
Gum health is essential to maintaining a beautiful smile and overall well-being. At Dr. Peter Hazim’s office in Allen, TX, our team has spent over 20 years helping patients address gum disease with personalized care and advanced techniques. From early-stage gingivitis to more severe conditions, we’re dedicated to providing treatment options tailored to your needs and comfort.
Don’t let gum disease compromise your health or confidence. With proven methods like deep cleanings and periodontal therapy, we can help restore your oral health and prevent further complications. Contact our experienced Allen, TX periodontist today at (972) 727-5599 or through our contact form to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and strong.