Gum disease treatment is possible with gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage of gum disease that is reversible, which is part of the reason it is important to catch gum disease in this stage. Gum disease symptoms include swollen gums, caused when the blood brings healing components to the infected area, and bleeding gums from brushing or eating due to swelling. With gingivitis, excess plaque buildup on the teeth leads to inflammation of the gums. Gums become sore or bleed when brushed, and sometimes the gum disease symptoms with gingivitis are mild enough that people are unaware that they even have it.
Because gingivitis is usually caused by poor dental habits, gingivitis is preventable. Poor hygiene is the most common cause of gingivitis and it may appear during puberty, pregnancy, times of stress, and menopause. Over time the plaque buildup from gingivitis becomes harder and turns into tartar, which also irritates gums. It is important that gingivitis is recognized and treated in this stage of gum disease because it has not yet gone deep enough to damage bone and connective tissue.
Gingivitis can be reversed by removing the tartar that is built up on your gums with effective home dental care and professional treatment to remove the biofilm and plaque build-up. It is important to treat periodontal disease in its early stages before it progresses and causes more damage to your gums and teeth. If your gum disease has advanced from gingivitis to periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease, then you will need to see your dentist for advanced treatment.
Periodontitis
In the next stage of periodontal gum disease, periodontitis, the toxins from the buildup of bacterial plaque on your teeth will begin to damage bone and supporting mouth tissues. It is not reversible like gingivitis,, but even as your teeth begin to near this advanced stage, there still may be treatment options to save them. Gum disease symptoms with periodontitis may be gums separating from your teeth, spaces between your teeth, or a receding gum line. Your teeth will be in jeopardy and may need to be removed. With successful treatment, you may be able to save teeth that are on their way to being lost. Having an awareness of the warning signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and reacting to them can help you prevent the disease or stop it in its early stages.
Advanced Periodontitis
The last stage after gingivitis, Advanced Periodontitis, is when the gum disease has progressed so much that the fibers and bone that support the teeth are completely deteriorated. Your gums will recede, showing the root of the tooth. Half or more of the supporting bone is broken down and will not grow back naturally and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Gum disease treatment for advanced periodontitis involves deep root cleanings and surgical intervention that may include grafts of tissue or bone, growth factor or antibiotic placement, open flap surgery, or tooth removal.
If you require treatment for gum disease, Dr Wilhite can find a solution to meet your specific needs. He understands the importance of keeping as much healthy, natural tooth structure as possible. He uses treatments such as antibiotic therapy, scaling, and root planing. Staying aware of the warning signs and symptoms of periodontal disease or recognizing and treating gingivitis is important to gum disease treatment because it has not yet gone deep enough to damage bone and connective tissue.
It was once thought that the real gum disease risk factor a person needed to worry about was aging, and there was nothing that could be done about that.
We now know that aging is still a factor but it is by no means the only factor you should be concerned about.
By understanding the risk factors, you can take preventive action to help keep gum disease at bay and protect your dental health.
Gum disease risk factors
Smoking / Tobacco Use
Poor Nutrition
Medications
Genetics
Stress
Age
Diabetes
Arthritis
Heart Disease
Teeth Grinding
Smoking / Tobacco Use
If you use tobacco, whether cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, you are at increased risk for periodontal gum disease. Recent studies indicate that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development of gum disease.
Poor Nutrition
If your diet is low in nutrients, this can lower immunity and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Because periodontal gum disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. Research has also shown that obesity may increase the risk of gum disease.
Certain drugs, such as anti-depressants, heart medicines, and oral contraceptives can affect oral health. JThe same way you would let your doctor know you are taking other medications, you should also let your dentist know about them.
Genetics
Some people are more likely to be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Even with good dental habits, you may be more likely to develop gum disease. If you believe that you may be one of these people because of your family medical history, your dentist can take intervention treatment to help prevent periodontal gum disease.
This has always been a well-known factor for gum disease. People aged 65 and over have the highest rates of periodontal disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a factor in the prevalence of gum disease.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can affect your inflammatory system which in turn may worsen the condition of your gums.
Teeth Grinding
Clenching or grinding your teeth will place excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth and speed up the rate at which your periodontal tissues deteriorate.
Gum disease can be treated to lessen its effects or slow down its progression. Call your doctor for a treatment plan.
Ready to for a check-up or gum disease treatment in Plano, Texas area?
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or set up your free gum disease consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience in treating gum disease and general and cosmetic dentistry. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.
In this post, we review a list of 12 reasons to visit your dentist right away instead of waiting for your next annual appointment.
We hope that you are keeping up the habit of visiting your dentist at least once a year for an annual check-up.
There are so many dental problems that can be prevented by finding them early, especially serious issues like gum disease and oral cancer that can be treated if discovered as soon as possible.
In case you find your self wondering if it is necessary to see a dentist now or wait till your annual exam, here is a list of signs that we think should cause you to visit the dentist right away.
Reasons to visit a dentist right away
Pain or swelling
Gums are puffy or bleeding
You’re hiding your smile
You’ve recently had work done
Ongoing medical issues
You are pregnant
Trouble eating
Dry mouth
Tobacco use
Jaw pain
Spots or sores
Annual check-up time
Pain or swelling
If you are suffering from pain or swelling, there is no reason to put off that visit that may be scheduled for a month or longer away. Make that visit right away. Toothaches, swelling, and pain are all symptoms of issues that you should have treated right away. The sooner the better. You can end that pain and also improve your long-term health.
If your gums are puffy or bleeding when you brush, it’s time to visit the dentist. These are signs of gum disease and the sooner you can have it treated the sooner you can stop the damage. It can’t always be reversed but you can keep it from causing more serious damage.
If you are hiding your smile, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to get some work done to address the issue. Don’t hide your smile, get it fixed and start feeling great again.
You’ve recently had work done
If you have recently had fillings, crowns, dental implants or dentures, you need to follow up with your dentist as recommended for a follow up so they can make sure everything has worked out the way it should.
Ongoing medical issues
Your dental health can tie in with your overall health and each may influence each other. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or an eating disorder, or undergoing medical treatments, you should make sure your dentist is a partner in your treatment and health. Symptoms of other health issues can show in your mouth or your gums could point to other potential health issues.
You are pregnant
If you weren’t sure, it IS safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. It is recommended you do so because pregnancy can make some dental issues worse. Make sure you schedule an appointment so that you will have one less thing to worry about.
Trouble eating
If you are having trouble eating or drinking, do yourself a favor and schedule an appointment with your dentist. Stop living with discomfort and don’t take a chance that you’ll make your issues worse by waiting.
Dry mouth
Sometimes dry mouth can be a symptom of another medical issue. It can also be a side effect of medications you are taking. Check with your dentist and get to the cause of this so you can find a solution.
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can affect your dental and physical health. If you are a regular tobacco user, you should have an oral cancer screening in Plano to check for any early signs or oral cancer so it can be addressed as soon as possible.
Jaw pain
It is time to visit the dentist if you are having jaw pain or popping when you are opening and closing your mouth, waking up in the morning or chewing. These could be symptoms of TMJ and your dentist can help you find a TMJ treatment in Plano that can work for you and ease your TMJ pain. Another reason to schedule an appointment could be an uneven bite.
If you notice a spot or a sore in your mouth that isn’t normally there and it lasts for a week or longer, you should see your dentist about it. Different types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. These can all vary in their seriousness and have different causes. Mouth sores can be the symptom of a disease or disorder. They can also be an infection from bacteria, a virus or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling.
Annual check-up time
Have you had your annual dental check-up in Plano, TX? We sure hope so! It’s simple to schedule and will help keep your mouth healthy and contributes to your overall physical health.
In this post, we discuss gum disease and what you can do to prevent it and protect the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth.
There is more to your dental health than just straight teeth and a white pearly smile. The health of your gums is just as important!
You can have white teeth and be free from cavities but still have gum disease. Just because you are not experiencing any pain doesn’t mean that you’re free from gum disease. Many people don’t realize that anything could be wrong with the health of their gums.
Gum disease is caused when the bacteria in plaque builds up between your gums and teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance filled with bacteria that can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone. As that bacteria begins to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth will become inflamed.
If left untreated, the inflammation from plaque will cause your gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
Want to learn more about gum disease treatement in Plano, TX? Schedule your free consultation: (972) 964-3774
Research has also shown that there may be an association between gum disease and other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The good news is that despite millions of people suffering from gum disease, it is mostly preventable. The different types of gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis, can be kept at bay by you taking the proper steps.
This one shouldn’t be a surprise to you at all. You’ve been told to brush your teeth ever since you were a little kid. It wasn’t because your parents were trying to annoy you. It’s because brushing your teeth is the foundation of good dental health. It keeps your teeth looking good and it keeps your gums healthy.
How to brush your teeth
Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush your teeth after every meal if possible. This will help remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums.
Floss your teeth
To help prevent gum disease, you should be flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. It doesn’t even matter what time of day you floss. Whether you floss at night, after lunch, or do it in the morning, you’re teeth and gums will see the benefits.
How to floss your teeth
Rinse with mouthwash
Using a mouthwash after brushing can help reduce plaque and can remove any remaining food particles that brushing and flossing may have missed.
Your age, family genetics, diet and whether you are a smoker are all indicator for your risk of gum disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dentist and learn what steps you can take to help prevent it. If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking will drastically cut your chance of developing gum disease.
When you have regular visits to your dentist, you give him or her the chance to detect early gum disease early and begin treating them. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.
Make all of these tips part of your normal routine and you will reduce your chances of gum disease and tooth loss!
Ready to for a check-up or gum disease treatment in Plano, Texas area?
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or set up your free gum disease consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience in treating gum disease and general and cosmetic dentistry. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.
In this post, we discuss the benefits of dental implants over dentures and the pros and cons of implants vs dentures.
Live in Plano, TX and want to learn more about implants or dentures? Schedule your consultation: (972) 964-3774
A majority of adults age 35 and over are missing at least one tooth or more. Many others suffer from gum disease which threatens the loss of additional teeth.
When you are missing teeth, there are generally two options that dentists recommend to restore your smile: dentures or dental implants.
If you find yourself in this situation, you are probably wondering what are the differences between dentures and dental implants, what are the pros and cons of implants vs dentures, and which is right for you?
What are dental implants?
Implants are false teeth consisting of a titanium post covered by a crown or denture that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.look and feel like real teeth. At one time dentures were the only replacement option for missing teeth but implants have grown greatly in popularity.
Benefits of dental implants
Preserves jawbone and maintains natural facial structure
Dentures are removable false teeth plates which with artificial teeth to replace missing teeth as well as some of the gum tissue. Dentures can be taken out and put back into the mouth as needed. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or in both jaws. Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps between the remaining natural teeth.
Decreasing jawbone quality may lead to further deterioration of facial structure
Can feel fake and unnatural
Do not look as real as implants
Can slip and move around
May cause discomfort
Requires creams and adhesives
Can’t eat certain foods
Will wear to the point where they need to be remade or relined
Need to be removed frequently for cleaning
Cost of implants vs dentures
The up-front cost of dentures will be more affordable compared to implants for tooth replacement. When you add in the additional costs for dentures, including buying fixatives, cleaning solutions and denture replacement every 7-15 years, the cost of dentures goes up. The average life-span of dental implants is 25 years, meaning as a long-term investment, implants can be cheaper than dentures.
Comfort of implants
Dental implants are considered to be much more comfortable than dentures. Dentures can slip and move around when eating or speaking, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Dentures can irritate your gums. Dentures also require more maintenance and the use of adhesive paste and creams
Dental implants will function and feel more like your natural teeth. You clean them just like your real teeth, and also continue to eat all the foods you love, and generally treat them just like your normal teeth, giving you much more freedom.
Ready to learn more about dental implants?
Contact us today to set up a dental implant consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience as a cosmetic dentist in Plano and can answer all your questions and has the ability to minimize any pain. He will be able to determine if this is right for you.
David Wilhite is a Plano Dentist who has helped hundreds of patients with TMJ treatment and relief. He has over 30 years experience in general and cosmetic dentistry.
A common question that every person with gum disease wants to know:
Is my gum disease treatable? Can it be reversed?
It depends on the type of gum disease you have.
Gum disease can definitely be treated and stopped from worsening before it causes serious damage to your mouth, jaw and overall health. Depending on what type of gum disease you have, it may even be reversible.
If you understand the different types of gum disease and can diagnose which one you have, then you will be able to determine if it is reversible or not.
Gingivitis IS reversible. Severe periodontal gum disease is not reversible. It is treatable, however, and can still be stopped from creating severe issues with your teeth.
It is highly recommended that you visit your dentist, who can identify the type and severity of your gum disease and offer you treatment options.
Is gingivitis reversible?
Good news! Gingivitis is both treatable and reversible.
Of the different types of gum disease, gingivitis the only gum disease that is reversible. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth caused by plaque built up on your teeth. Over time it becomes harder and turns into tartar, which also irritates gums. Sometimes the effects are mild enough that people are unaware that they even have it. Pregnant women can be more susceptible to gingivitis.
Because it is usually caused by poor dental habits, gingivitis is preventable. If treated in a timely manner, it is also reversible.
How do you treat gingivitis?
Gingivitis can be reversed by removing the tartar that is built up on your gums. Schedule a trip to your dentist for a professional tartar cleaning of your teeth. Your dentist can remove tartar that is irritating your gums by cleaning and scaling your teeth.
After your dentist has given you a thorough cleaning, you will need to follow up with the proper brushing of the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. You should also make sure that you are getting an annual checkup to make sure they remain clean.
With a professional cleaning by your dentist, everyday brushing, and flossing, you can reverse gingivitis and have regular, healthy gums again.
Periodontitis, or periodontal gum disease is, unfortunately, NOT reversible.
Just because it is not reversible though, does not mean that it cannot be treated.
Periodontal gum disease can be halted with treatment. This is critical because, with successful treatment, you may be able to save teeth that are on their way to being lost. You definitely want to save your teeth if possible. Cosmetic dentistry may be able to correct some of the issues caused by gum disease, such as elongated teeth, but not in all cases.
If your gum disease has advanced from gingivitis to periodontitis, then you will need to see your dentist for advanced treatment. The toxins from the buildup of bacterial plaque on your teeth will affect not just your gums but will spread to the bone and ligaments of your teeth. This will damage the bone and support tissues and your teeth will be in jeopardy and may need to be removed. Even as your teeth begin to near this advanced stage, there still may be treatment options to save them.
Possible periodontal gum disease treatments:
Scaling and root planing
Pocket reduction procedure
Gum grafts
Bone grafting and regeneration
Brushing, flossing, and maintenance
Antimicrobial mouthwash
Quitting smoking
Ongoing dental checkups and care
We ask that if you believe that you have gum disease, to please make an appointment with an experienced dental professional. There is still hope for your teeth.
In this post, we discuss the risk factors that contribute to gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease. Learn if you are at increased risk.
Pain or swelling
You’ve recently had work done
Tobacco use
David Wilhite is a 
Gum disease is caused when the bacteria in plaque builds up between your gums and teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance filled with bacteria that can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone. As that bacteria begins to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth will become inflamed.
Know the risk factors for gum disease
Implants are false teeth consisting of a titanium post covered by a crown or denture that are surgically implanted into the jawbone.look and feel like real teeth. At one time dentures were the only replacement option for missing teeth but implants have grown greatly in popularity.
Dentures are removable false teeth plates which with artificial teeth to replace missing teeth as well as some of the gum tissue. Dentures can be taken out and put back into the mouth as needed. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or in both jaws. Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps between the remaining natural teeth.
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Is gingivitis reversible?
Is periodontal gum disease reversible?