Healthier Gums Means Happier Smiles
Bleeding when you brush, tenderness when you floss, or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth deserve attention. Don’t let gum tissue problems worsen.
At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Northeast Texas, gum health is part of your comprehensive dental care. Dr. Hamilton is a comprehensive general dentist who evaluates gum health and treats periodontal disease. Together with our dental hygienist, he helps identify, monitor, and treat problems affecting the tissues that support your teeth.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, schedule an appointment at our Longview, TX, dental office.
Gum Disease Evaluation and Treatment
Gum Health Evaluations
Your dentist and hygienist examine your gums for signs of inflammation, recession, and other changes. Evaluating the spaces between your teeth and gums helps us identify areas of concern and monitor your gum health over time.
We’ll explain what we find and how it affects your dental care.Scaling and Root Planing
When appropriate, we may recommend scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. This treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and cleans the tooth root surfaces.
Your treatment recommendations will depend on the condition of your gums and the extent of the disease.Ongoing Gum Care
Treating gum disease involves ongoing attention. Your dentist and hygienist work together to monitor your response to treatment, recommend follow-up care, and help you care for your gums at home.
If your condition requires specialized treatment, Dr. Hamilton can discuss the next steps and coordinate a referral when needed.
What Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is primarily a bacterial infection. Bacteria in dental plaque can cause inflammation and damage the tissues that support your teeth.
Additional factors that can increase your risk or affect your gum health include:
- Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of periodontal disease and can interfere with healing.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can make gum infections harder to manage, particularly when blood sugar is not well controlled.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive to plaque and more prone to inflammation.
Share any changes in your health with our team. Understanding your medical history helps us tailor your dental care.
