When you think about dental health, your teeth probably come to mind first. But maintaining gum health is just as important! Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to serious issues if left untreated. The good news is that with proper care and treatment at Johnson Dentistry, you can maintain healthy gums and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts when bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film called plaque on your teeth. If not removed by brushing and flossing, this plaque hardens into tartar. Over time, these bacteria cause inflammation of the gums.

In its early stage (gingivitis), you might notice red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. This can lead to bone and tissue loss and eventually, loose teeth.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Receding gums (teeth looking longer)
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together

Why Treating Gum Disease Matters

Treating gum disease isn’t just about protecting your smile—it’s about your overall health too. Research has linked gum disease to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. By treating gum disease, you’re not just saving your teeth; you’re potentially protecting your whole body.

Additionally, untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Losing teeth affects not just how you look, but also how you speak and eat, which can impact your quality of life.

Our Effective Gum Disease Treatments

At our practice, we offer several proven treatments to combat gum disease at any stage:

Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing

This thorough cleaning goes beyond a regular dental cleaning. During scaling, we carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Then, in root planing, we smooth the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth. This process removes bacteria and stops disease progression.

Many patients notice less bleeding, decreased gum inflammation, and fresher breath after this treatment. It’s often the first step in treating gum disease and may be all that’s needed for mild to moderate cases.

Targeted Antibiotic Treatment with Arestin®

Sometimes deep cleaning needs a boost. That’s where Arestin comes in. This antibiotic treatment is placed directly into the infected pockets between your teeth and gums after scaling and root planing.

Arestin continues working for days after your appointment, fighting bacteria that regular cleaning might miss. It’s especially helpful for deeper pockets or areas that haven’t responded well to cleaning alone.

Periodontal Splinting for Loose Teeth

If gum disease has caused your teeth to become loose, we offer periodontal splinting. This procedure stabilizes loose teeth by bonding them together, usually with a wire, giving your gums and bone a chance to heal.

The splint holds your teeth in place while we treat the underlying gum disease. In many cases, this can save teeth that might otherwise be lost.

Maintaining Your Gum Health

After treatment, keeping your gums healthy requires good home care and regular dental visits. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that might include:

  • More frequent professional cleanings
  • Specific brushing and flossing techniques
  • Antimicrobial mouth rinses
  • Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until gum disease causes pain or tooth loss. Early treatment is more effective, less invasive, and less expensive. If you’ve noticed any signs of gum disease, or it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, contact us.

Remember, healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth and contribute to your overall well-being. Let us help you maintain that foundation for a lifetime of smiles.

Call Johnson Dentistry today at 979-279-8839 to schedule an exam. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer.