Why Gum Disease Treatment Matters

When it comes to your smile, your teeth probably get most of your attention. Are they clean, even, strong, and bright? Unfortunately, this may mean that you pay less attention to your gums. Yet, without healthy gums, your teeth do not have a strong foundation. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that gum disease, rather than tooth decay, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss among adults in the United States, and much of the rest of the world.

In addition to being a reliable predictor for tooth loss as you age, gum disease has been clearly linked to a wide range of systemic health conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Respiratory illness
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Dr. Steven Huffstutler and our team are committed to helping our patients, especially those at a higher risk for gum disease, achieve and maintain optimal gum health for a healthier smile and a healthier life.

Different Stages, Different Treatments

Gum disease is a progressive disorder, meaning that it will progress along a predictable series of worsening stages if it goes untreated. Dr. Huffstutler will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition before recommending a personalized treatment plan. However, some common treatment options include:

  • More consistent and thorough brushing and flossing at home, usually complemented by a prescription mouthwash designed to control oral bacteria.
  • Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line which can lead to inflammation and infection.
  • In some cases, antibiotic therapy, often in the form of a mouth rinse or topical treatment, may be needed to complement a deep cleaning.

Maintenance and Homecare

Successful management of gum disease depends on your willingness to make small but significant changes at home to supplement the professional care you receive in our office. Committing to a consistent brushing and flossing routine is key, but so is:

  • Reducing the number of tobacco products you use, or quitting altogether. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease and quitting is – arguably – one of the best actions you can take to control the disease.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar you consume, both in foods and drinks. A sugar-laden diet is closely associated with a higher risk for gum disease.
  • If you’re diabetic, take the necessary steps to keep your blood sugar under control. Uncontrolled blood sugar is linked to a dramatically higher risk for gum disease.

We also offer the CAMBRA (Caries Assessment and Management by Risk Assessment) approach, in which we employ DNA fluorescence to examine your oral health and create a numerical score to assess the effectiveness of your homecare. This allows us to see how at-risk you are of developing cavities or other dental issues in the following year. We can then discuss what you can do to improve your homecare approach. We offer the entire line of products associated with this system; however, the CAMBRA system is not covered by dental insurance.

Beat Gum Disease with Appropriate Treatment

You don’t have to let your oral or overall health be threatened by gum disease; we can help you beat it with an appropriate, customized treatment plan. To reserve your appointment, click the banner below, or call our office in Ft. Worth, TX, today at 817-918-3038. Our office welcomes patients from all over DFW, including Dallas, North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities.