Defeating Gum Disease with Our Henderson Dentists on Your Team

Have you ever experienced bleeding gums while brushing your teeth? Or maybe you have noticed persistent bad breath. These seemingly harmless occurrences could actually be signs or a serious oral health issue known as periodontitis or gum disease. If you notice signs of gum disease, it is important to contact our Henderson dental office to make an appointment. You can conveniently request an appointment online at https://www.christensendental.com/.

Causes of Gum Disease

Periodontitis, or gum disease, can be caused by a variety of factors. The list below can help you identify if you are at risk for, or may already have, one of the three stages of gum disease. 

Poor Oral Hygiene- When patients do not brush and flood regularly, plaque builds up on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is sticky initially but can harden into tartar if not taken care of by one of our Henderson dentists.

Tobacco Use- Smoking or Chewing Tobacco increases the risk of developing inflamed gums that are prone to bleeding. Smoking and tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal.

Medical Conditions- Though no fault of your own, certain medical conditions can contribute to periodontitis in our Henderson dental patients. For example, diabetes weakens the body's immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections in the mouth.

Hormonal Changes- Women especially are prone to gum disease during pregnancy and menopause. The hormonal fluctuations can make the gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, making it uncomfortable and perhaps easier to justify skipping brushing and flossing occasionally. Additionally, some medications like antidepressants or heart medications can have side effects that contribute to gum disease.

Understanding the causes of gum disease is critical to preventing it in the first place and treating it if you find you have one of the three stages of periodontitis.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Knowing the symptoms of gum disease helps our Henderson dental patients catch it early. If you suspect you have gum disease, contact our office to see Dr. Tyler Christensen or Dr. Ashley Christensen for an exam so that we can get you set up with the proper treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.

Bad Breath- One sign of gum disease is persistent bad breath. This is something more than just bad breath after eating garlic or onions. This is a persistent, unpleasant odor caused by a buildup of bacteria below the gumline. It is not treated with brushing and flossing alone.

Receding Gums- As Periodontitis progresses, you may notice recession along your gum line. Recession caused by gum disease, if left untreated, can cause shifting or loose teeth. Healthy gums promote healthy periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place. 

Bone Loss- While you cannot see bone loss with the naked eye, our Henderson dental office can take x-rays to view the bone level. Bone loss can contribute to loose or shifting teeth, resulting in your teeth not meeting together properly.

It is important not to overlook these signs of gum disease as they could indicate a more serious problem. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact our office to request an appointment sooner rather than later.

Common Treatment for Periodontitis

Treating gum disease is second in importance only to recognizing the need for treatment. There are several options our office can suggest. The sooner gum disease is addressed, the more options you may have. The options for treatment depend on the severity of the disease and what stage of periodontitis you are in. 

Stage 1- Early gum disease- This stage involves removing plaque and tartar with a cleaning by one of the hygienists at our Henderson dental office. Our hygienists may also recommend products to help you improve your oral care at home, such as a waterpik, increased flossing and brushing, and/or PerioProtect.

Laser Gum Therapy- This is one option for treating gum disease that has yielded more than ideal results. Laser gum therapy removes infected tissue and kills bacteria that contribute to periodontitis.

PerioProtect- PerioProtect therapy trays are an effective way to combat gum disease at home! This non-invasive treatment option works to kill gum disease-causing bacteria when you wear trays filled with medication that has a gel-like consistency. The trays are made in such a way that holds the medication in the trays so that it can infiltrate below the gum line. 

Scaling and Root Planing- This type of cleaning by one of the hygienists at our Henderson dental office involves cleaning deep below the gum line to remove bacteria and rough areas along the roots of the teeth. Patients are kept comfortable with an anesthetic.

It is important to remember that in order to treat gum disease properly, our Henderson dental patients need to commit to ongoing follow-up care, improved home care, and regular check ups with Dr Ashley Christensen and Dr Tyler Christensen.

Prevent Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease is essential for maintaining excellent oral health. Our Hednerson dental team is here to help you reach your goals for your oral health care while maintaining your dignity and helping you through appointments to promote a positive dental experience. Our Henderson dental team recommends a few easy-to-follow tips for improving and maintaining your oral health.

Proper Oral Hygiene- Practicing proper oral hygiene at home is your first defense in preventing gum disease. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using fluoride toothpaste.

Regular Visits to our Henderson Dental Office- Our dentists recommend visiting the office at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam, as well as check up x-rays. Catching gum disease, or the early signs of it, is critical to treating it properly.

Healthy Lifestyle- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle prevents gum disease! Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients for overall oral health. Avoiding tobacco products also decreases your risk of periodontal disease.

By incorporating these simple practices into your daily habits, visiting our Henderson dental practice, and taking control of your oral health, you can prevent gum disease altogether! Of course, we understand that you may already be in the throws of gum disease but we are here to help! Our team is committed to improving your oral health while maintaining your dignity and treating you just like we would our own family.

To learn more, request an appointment, or read more about the treatments we offer, visit https://www.christensendental.com/ or call our office at 702-569-2656. We look forward to seeing you at our Henderson, NV, dental office soon!