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Maintaining a healthy smile starts with protecting your teeth and gums from disease. Decay can destroy the teeth, while infection can affect the gums. Periodontal or gum disease is wide spread and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. At Lufkin Family Dental, we help our patients prevent and treat gum disease to maintain a healthy smile.
Gum disease starts slowly and can go undetected without regular general dental care. Bacteria can create plaque buildup that hardens into tartar, irritating and inflaming the gum tissue around the teeth. If left unchecked, gum disease can become a severe infection that affects the tissue and bone in the jaw. It can also put you at higher risk for serious health issues like stroke or type 2 diabetes.
Regular cleanings every six months combined with excellent home oral care can help prevent gum disease. However, once gum disease is present, it can require treatment to reverse the effects. We offer effective options to stop gum disease from progressing that can help restore healthy gum tissue, including deep cleanings, medications and other therapies.
When gum disease first starts, the gums will begin receding from the teeth. This leaves pockets between the teeth and gums, creating more places for bacteria to hide and thrive. The infection becomes worse, affecting the tissues in the gums which can lead to a breakdown of these tissues that can cause teeth to become loose.
The first symptoms are usually red, swollen gums that can be tender or bleed easily. Often blood will be present when the teeth are brushed, a common sign of gingivitis. When this occurs, it is time to schedule a checkup and cleaning at our office. We can determine the level of gum disease present and design a treatment plan to get it under control. Contact Lufkin Family Dental today to schedule an appointment for you or a member of your family.