17
Feb
Gum Inflammation Causes and Treatment
Gum health is essential to strong, healthy teeth. Inflamed, bleeding, or irritated gums are not only painful, but they can also weaken tooth support, putting you at risk of losing natural teeth. If you’re experiencing problems with gum pain or swelling, it’s essential to seek treatment before your condition worsens. At the office of Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates, Bedford, Texas, we can pinpoint the cause of your gum problems and recommend prompt and effective treatment.
Gum Inflammation Causes
One of the most common causes of gum inflammation is periodontitis – a severe gum infection caused by plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Failure to brush or floss your teeth daily can result in plaque and bacteria accumulating on your gums and teeth. Over time, this plaque will harden into tartar, which can destroy the enamel of your teeth and cause your gums to swell and bleed. Additional factors that can contribute to gum inflammation are:
- Age
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Poor nutrition
- Pregnancy and
- Chronic health conditions
Gum Inflammation Treatment
Gum inflammation is a common symptom of periodontitis, along with gum redness, tenderness, and bleeding. Better oral care habits and routine dental cleanings can help reverse these symptoms and help your gums heal. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Maegan Elam may also prescribe antibiotics to expedite your healing.
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In addition to swollen gums, periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, leaving gaps between your gums and teeth. These gaps or pockets can fill with harmful bacteria, which, over time, will destroy gum tissue and bone support, causing teeth to weaken and fall out.
To curtail the infection, Dr. Elam may recommend a deep cleaning, which entails scaling and root planing your teeth. Scaling removes all plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up, above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths out the root surfaces to keep plaque at bay. Deep cleaning your teeth reduces swelling, bleeding, and other painful symptoms, giving your gums a chance to heal.
For diagnosis and treatment of painful gum issues, contact Dr. Maegan Elam in Bedford, TX, at (817) 241-3535. We’re here to meet all your dental care needs.
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Dr. Maegan Elam is a highly sought-after dentist in Bedford with a talent for easing dental anxiety. Graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Hardin-Simmons University, she worked as a dental assistant for a year before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She is a part of the American Dental Association, the State of Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. Dr. Elam has completed advanced training in offering oral-conscious and nitrous oxide sedation to help patients have peaceful dental experiences. She has a conservative approach to providing excellent dental care and believes in preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible.