If your gums bleed when you floss, feel tender when you brush, or seem more sensitive than usual, you may wonder whether gum disease is developing. The good news is that a dental visit gives us an opportunity to take a closer look at your gum health and identify concerns that may be easy to miss at home.
At Dripping Springs Family Smiles, we care for more than just your teeth. Healthy gum tissue and healthy bone levels are also important parts of maintaining your oral health. When you visit our office in Dripping Springs, TX, we can evaluate your dental health, discuss any symptoms you have noticed, and recommend appropriate care based on what we find.
What Signs of Gum Disease Should You Watch For?
Gum disease does not always look the same from one person to another. Some changes you may notice include:
- Gums that are red or swollen
- Bleeding when you floss
- Discomfort around the gums while brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Teeth that have started to feel loose
Experiencing one of these symptoms does not tell you by itself exactly what is happening. A dental evaluation allows us to properly assess your teeth and gums and determine whether treatment is needed.
How Does a Dentist Check Your Gums?
During a preventive dental visit, the dentist examines the teeth and gums for signs of dental concerns. The visit also provides an opportunity to identify problems that may not be noticeable at home and to review brushing and flossing habits.
A dental hygienist may also remove plaque and tartar from the teeth during a professional cleaning. This is important because buildup that is not thoroughly removed can contribute to dental problems, including gum disease.
Once the teeth are clean, the dentist can perform a thorough examination and discuss any dental concerns identified during the visit.
Can Dental X-Rays Help Check for Gum Disease?
X-rays can provide information that we cannot see simply by looking inside your mouth. Dental X-rays allow doctors to see beneath the gum tissue, including the root surfaces of your teeth and the bone levels surrounding them.
That information can be especially useful when evaluating your overall dental and periodontal health. We take the necessary imaging for diagnosis and use the findings from your evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan when care is needed.
What Happens if We Find Signs of Periodontal Disease?
If an evaluation indicates periodontal disease, the first priority is helping you understand what is happening and what you can do about it. At our Dripping Springs dental office, gum disease treatment may include a thorough deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The goal of this treatment is to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth both above and below the gum tissue.
Depending on your individual needs, we may also discuss medication and ways to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits at home. After periodontal disease has been brought under control, periodontal maintenance cleanings may be recommended at intervals such as every three, four, or six months.
Because treatment recommendations depend on your individual oral health, the first step is a proper dental evaluation rather than trying to determine on your own which treatment you need.
Can Regular Dental Visits Help Prevent Gum Problems?
Preventive dental care gives us the opportunity to identify concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home may not completely address.
Our website recommends regular cleanings and exams at least twice per year for preventive care. If periodontal disease is present, we may recommend a different maintenance schedule based on your needs.
Between appointments, following the brushing and flossing recommendations discussed with your dental team can also play an important role in caring for your gums.
Concerned About Your Gums? Schedule a Visit in Dripping Springs, TX
You do not have to wait until gum discomfort becomes severe to ask about it. If you have noticed bleeding, redness, swelling, recession, bad breath, sensitivity, or other changes in your gums, our team can evaluate your oral health and help you understand your next steps.
Dripping Springs Family Smiles provides periodontal care and gum disease treatment in Dripping Springs, TX, along with preventive dental exams and cleanings. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and let us help you care for your teeth and gums.