Welcome to Time Square Dental Group in Pasadena, Texas, the practice of Dr. Razan Daccak. We are going to talk a little bit about gum recession and how it can affect your healthy smile. A healthy smile is not just about beautiful teeth, but healthy gums as well. Healthy gums not only look aesthetically pleasing, but they also support your teeth and bone, making them a vital part of any beautiful smile.
When the gum tissue in the mouth pull back from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots this is known as gum recession. To maintain healthy gums, you will want to remove oral bacteria daily or it will lead to inflammation of the gum tissue, also known as gingivitis. In the early stage of gingivitis, the gingiva, or gum tissue at the base of the teeth become inflamed, and you might notice redness, but no pain. If left unchecked, this plaque material creates toxins that irritate the sensitive gum tissue. But with attention to good oral hygiene, you can reverse the effects of gingivitis. Stepping up your daily brushing and flossing habits, and incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria are effective ways to turn around gingivitis.
Now, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is another matter. At this stage of gum disease, you may become aware of pockets forming in the gum tissue below the gum line allowing food particles and plaque to buildup and further damage gum tissue. With periodontitis, the bones and fibers holding your teeth in place become damaged. As these infected pockets continue to break down they can eventually become destroyed. When this happens, and treatment doesn’t intervene, the fibers and bone can diminish to the point where the teeth become loose and may fall out or require removal.
To prevent gum disease and tooth loss, you will want to keep plaque from hardening into tartar, or calculus. This is where professional dental cleanings can help, because your dentist will remove hardened plaque above and below the gum line, protecting your teeth and gums. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy prevents costly and invasive treatment down the road.
Along with daily brushing and flossing, be sure to maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings to keep your smile healthy. If you would like to schedule a visit with our skilled dentist Dr. Razan Daccak, please call our Time Square Dental Group team in Pasadena, Texas at (832) 426.4433 today!