MULTI-SPECIALTY DENTAL OFFICE PREVENTS AND MANAGES SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE

You don’t have to travel far to benefit from world-class dentistry. Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics is your neighborhood dentist, conveniently located off East Hebron Parkway and near other main roads for easy access. The office is open 6 days a week, including evenings, and Dr. Adnan Saleem and the team use iPad check-in and all sorts of other technologies for a hassle-free experience. Since Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics is a multi-specialty provider, you don’t have to go to several other offices to get a high level of expertise. The team includes a board-certified periodontist (gum disease specialist), Dr. Cameron Hamidi. Symptoms of Gum Disease in Carrollton TX are detected early with Hebron Smile’s extensive expertise and advanced, precision technologies like 3-Dimensional, high-definition imaging.

PROTECT THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS

Why treat gum disease when you can prevent it? As a practice that emphasizes education, the Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics team encourages patients to maintain routine check-ups. Yes, your dentist assesses the state of your teeth and gums, and your hygienist removes the plaque and tartar that harbor harmful bacteria, but these visits also present a great opportunity to discuss how you brush and floss your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist demonstrates ways to improve brushing and flossing techniques to keep the disease and decay away and suggests helpful products.

Proactive visits are particularly important when it comes to gum disease because this condition is often “silent” or asymptomatic. By the time you are experiencing noticeable problems, the disease may have already progressed to a point where the damage is pronounced and irreversible. So, don’t just visit the dentist when you are in an urgent situation. It’s always better to be proactive or ahead of symptoms rather than reacting to problems.

When gums are healthy, they anchor your teeth in place. It’s true some patients’ gums may be a little bit darker naturally than others. But, generally, gums are pink and if they look a little redder than what you are used to, that could be a sign of a problem. Likewise, paler-than-usual gums are a lesser-known sign of gum disease or medical conditions including anemia. Healthy gums generally have small indentations but are free of sores. They should look firm (not swollen) and properly cover your teeth. As gum disease progresses, teeth can look longer than normal because the tissue covering them pulls away or recedes. As gums recede, the metal covering old restorations may peek through and result in dark discoloration at the gumline.

Besides how gums look, you should take note of how they feel. Gums shouldn’t bleed, even when you brush and floss normally or chew on hard or sticky foods. Unhealthy gums may also feel tender to the touch or sore when you clean them. Gum disease is associated with chronic bad breath and a persistent, unpleasant taste. Without a stable anchor, teeth may shift and alter the way partial dentures or other dental prosthetics fit.

SYMPTOMS, STAGE-BY-STAGE

As a progressive condition, some symptoms are hallmarks of early-stage gum disease, whereas others suggest advanced gum disease. The “mild form,” gingivitis, is generally associated with gums that look darker and puffier than usual. Blood may be present on your toothbrush and floss. Since gum disease doesn’t resolve without treatment, if gingivitis is allowed to progress, you may develop periodontitis. This advanced form of gum disease arises when the bacteria in plaque spreads and flourishes underneath the gumline. Not unlike other infections, an immune response is triggered that releases antibodies to fight off the bacteria. Similarly, patients who have a weakened immune system are also at increased risk of developing gum disease. The ensuing battle between the immune system and bacterial invaders eventually results in a break-down of the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Patients with periodontitis may notice:

• New gaps between their teeth
• Teeth that feel loose
• Changes with how the upper and lower teeth fit together when they bite down
• Gum recession

Many of the risk factors associated with the development of gum disease can be controlled to resolve symptoms and restore oral health. Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics is happy to work with you to help treat or manage factors that contribute to gum disease. For instance, hygiene techniques and gum-friendly nutrition may be suggested, and existing restorations are monitored, and repaired or replaced as needed.

From prevention to treatment, Hebron Smiles and Smilebliss Orthodontics has all your gum health needs covered. Call (972) 388-3320 to schedule your appointment at the Carrollton TX office.

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