Dr. Fatima Siraj and Dr. Mir Q. Nasiri will check for signs of periodontal disease during each of your regular dental appointments. We are committed to helping prevent gum disease and to diagnosing and treating this condition as quickly as possible to improve your oral health. For more information about periodontal disease in Irving, Texas, and to schedule a consultation with our dentists, call Pioneer Smiles today at 972-254-6000.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of your mouth. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the gums. This infection eventually spreads and progresses until it destroys your gums and supporting bones if left untreated. The milder stage of the disease is known as gingivitis, and when diagnosed and treated early, it can often be successfully treated. The more advanced stage of the disease is known as periodontitis and may become irreversible if not treated.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in your bite
- Changes in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
As periodontal disease can develop without pain or other obvious symptoms, it is important that you visit our dentists regularly. Dental exams give our dentists the opportunity to check your mouth for the disease and diagnose it before any significant damage can occur. If diagnosed, our dentists will work with you to create a treatment plan to help manage the disease and improve your oral health.
You can prevent gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene at home, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. We also recommend that you make and keep all regular dental appointments, and that you avoid using tobacco products as they increase your risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is also linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pregnancy complications and osteoporosis, so we recommend seeking treatment as soon as possible if you develop the disease.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our dentists, give us a call today!