Take Control of Your Gum Health with Periodontal Disease Treatment

Teeth get all the attention, but your gums are equally important in maintaining optimal oral health. Periodontics in San Antonio, Texas, help your gums stay healthy and, by extension, your teeth and overall well-being.

Although Olmos Park Dental emphasizes preventive dental care, we understand gum disease can occur. Dr. Brandi Lindsey and her team offer gum disease treatment with scaling and root planing as a minimally invasive treatment for gum disease. Call us today if you suspect gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and systemic issues.

How does gum disease develop?

Almost anyone who doesn’t brush and floss their teeth eventually develops gum disease. Insufficient oral hygiene causes plaque to develop as harmful bacteria interact with saliva and food debris. The bacteria in dental plaque secrete toxic substances that irritate your gums, causing gingivitis—the earliest form of periodontal disease.

Gingivitis causes mild symptoms like gum tenderness, redness, and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis advances into periodontitis, spreading the infection to the subgingival tissues and the underlying bone. Periodontitis causes receding gums and tooth loss. Worse yet, periodontal disease increases inflammation overload in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and other systemic issues.

How is gum disease treated?

Our office treats gum disease with the most conservative treatments. Gingivitis responds favorably to standard cleanings and optimal oral hygiene. However, moderate to severe periodontal disease needs advanced treatment with deep teeth cleanings, which involve the following two procedures.

  • Scaling: This treatment is more thorough than a standard clean and polish. The dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the deep periodontal pockets between teeth and gums.
  • Root planing: After scaling, the dentist polishes your tooth roots to remove grooves that provide suitable breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Root planing also encourages gums to reattach to the teeth.

Our doctor uses ozone and lasers in our periodontal treatments to reduce bacterial load. Ozone is a powerful, natural disinfectant that effectively eliminates bacteria causing gum disease. Incorporating ozone into periodontal care targets harmful microorganisms and triggers the body’s natural healing response.

Can I prevent gum disease?

While we have effective periodontal disease treatments, we emphasize prevention because it’s less costly and avoids unnecessary discomfort.

Observe the following tips to keep your gums healthy.

  • Floss at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup between teeth
  • Adhere to bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings
  • Avoid sugary foods and incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and D in your diet
  • Quit smoking and keep your mouth well-hydrated
  • Manage immune-suppressing conditions like diabetes and depression

Are you interested in periodontal disease treatment?

Do you suspect gum disease? Don’t neglect your gum health another day. Call (210) 767-3525 to reserve an appointment with Olmos Park Dental to address periodontal disease with effective therapies. We combine in-office treatments with at-home dental care to improve the health of your gums and enhance your smile. Taking care of your gums is essential for the health of your teeth and overall well-being.