What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and leads to gum inflammation. Over time, this irritation can result in gum infections and bone loss.

The earliest stage is called gingivitis. Common signs of gingivitis include swollen, red or bleeding gums. If untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the infection damages the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. This can cause loose teeth, tooth loss and chronic bad breath.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Spotting gum disease early is key to preventing more serious damage. Here are the most common warning signs:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Receding gums or teeth looking longer
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Tooth sensitivity or discomfort

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The best way to avoid gum disease is to commit to a simple but consistent oral care routine:

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
   Brushing removes harmful plaque and keeps gums healthy.
2. Floss Daily
   Flossing helps clean between teeth and below the gumline, preventing gum inflammation.
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
   Professional cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) and allow your dentist to catch early signs of gum disease.
4. Quit Smoking
   Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and slows down gum healing.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
   Nutrients like calcium, vitamin C and antioxidants promote gum health and reduce inflammation.
6. Manage Stress
   High stress can weaken your immune system, making gum disease harder to fight.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

If you already have gum disease, please do not worry — it can often be treated effectively. In the early stage (gingivitis), a professional dental cleaning combined with better brushing and flossing habits can reverse the condition.

For more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist may recommend:

• Scaling and Root Planing (a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline)
• Antibiotic therapy to reduce infection
• Periodontal maintenance with more frequent cleanings
• In severe cases, gum surgery may be necessary to restore gum health and protect your teeth.

The sooner gum disease is treated, the better the outcome — so do not delay if you notice symptoms.

Why Gum Health Matters

Preventing gum disease is not just about avoiding tooth loss — it is about protecting your whole-body health. Studies show that gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes and other systemic conditions.

By brushing, flossing, eating well and visiting your dentist, you can keep gum disease away and enjoy a confident, healthy smile. If you or anyone you know are noticing these sign or symptoms give us a call at (281) 207-4161 and schedule your appointment with Dr. Patel to determine the best course of treatment!

The post What Is Gum Disease? Signs, Prevention and Treatment first appeared on Sugar Land Dental Associates.

Routine Dental Cleanings

A prophy, short for prophylaxis, is a routine dental cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Prophy’s are usually recommended every six months and are part of a regular dental check-up. The primary goal of a prophy is preventive care. It involves the removal of plaque, tartar and surface stains from the teeth and gum line. This cleaning procedure is essential in preventing the onset or progression of gingivitis or early-stage gum disease.

During a prophy, Dr. Patel will use special dental instruments, such as ultrasonic and hand scalers, to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Polishing the teeth with a fine or gritty paste will aid in removing surface stains, leaving the teeth smooth and clean. Fluoride treatment may also be applied to help strengthen damaged enamel and provide additional protection against cavities.

Scaling & Root Planing Cleanings

On the other hand, SRP, or scaling and root planing, is a deeper cleaning procedure intended for individuals with more advanced gum disease, specifically periodontitis. Unlike a prophy, an SRP goes one step beyond a prophy and targets the accumulation of tartar and bacteria both above and below the gum line.

Periodontitis (gum disease) occurs when there is a buildup of plaque and tartar leading to inflammation and infection in the gums, causing 4mm or large pockets forming between the teeth and gums. SRP aims to address this issue by scaling, which involves scraping away plaque and tartar from the tooth’s root surfaces and the gum pockets. Root planing follows, smoothing out the root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment and facilitate gum tissue healing and reattachment.

SRP is a more involved procedure than a routine prophy and could require local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the process. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, it might be performed in sections over multiple appointments to thoroughly clean the affected areas. After the SRP is completed, it is recommended you return every 3-4 months for periodontal maintenance to monitor, manage and prevent periodontal disease from reoccurring.

In summary, a prophy is a preventive cleaning procedure done regularly to maintain oral health and prevent the onset of gum disease, while SRP is a deeper cleaning procedure aimed at treating and managing existing gum disease. Both procedures are essential components of comprehensive dental care, but they serve different purposes based on the patient’s oral health needs.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, including prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance, are fundamental for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, if gum disease is present, Dr. Patel may recommend an SRP to address the underlying issues and prevent further progression of periodontal disease.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, such as regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, complements professional dental cleanings and helps ensure a healthy smile for years to come. Our Sugar Land Dental Associates team can be reached by calling 281-207-4161 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Jai V. Patel and Dr. Rahil H. Patel have been helping patients in Sugar Land, Texas, create the healthy smiles they deserve, and look forward to helping you!

The post What Type of Dental Cleaning Do I Need? first appeared on Sugar Land Dental Associates.