Periodontal Disease in Houston, TX

As children, one of the first things our parents taught us to do was how to brush and floss our teeth. When it comes to good dental hygiene, it is more than having straight teeth and a bright smile. Keeping your gums healthy is just as important as pristine tooth enamel. You are not immune to gum disease, which is inflammation within the gums that may lead to infection and do considerable damage to your health.

Ranging from mild to advanced, Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC treats patients in all stages of periodontal disease with decades of experience. The first stage is called gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding gums), which is a result of plaque buildup under the gumline. If left untreated, it can develop into a serious gum infection called periodontitis. At this stage, the infection will impact the nerves that support your tooth roots and cause the premature deterioration of the jawbone. This will manifest into tooth and bone loss in adults. Our general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Macaluso, treats periodontal disease with varying levels of invasive and noninvasive treatments. When you have symptoms of periodontal infection, get in touch with our office in Houston, TX to schedule an examination.

If you would like to learn more about ways to prevent gum disease, you can start by implementing these suggestions into your oral hygiene routine:

• Brush twice and floss your teeth once a day
• Select and use toothpaste with gingivitis-fighting fluoride
• Don't forget to use mouthwash
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco
• Schedule and attend your routine exams and teeth cleaning

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, isn't easy to discover by yourself, which is the reason why it's very important to schedule yearly dental examinations at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC. This provides Dr. Macaluso the chance to check your gums. He can recognize and address the problem before it affects your mouth and general well-being. It is crucial to schedule an appointment if you're experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Red or inflamed gums
• Gums that are sensitive to touch (especially hot and cold food and drink)
• Gums that bleed while brushing your teeth
• A receding gumline
• Chronic halitosis (bad breath) 
• Pain when chewing
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC right away. 

To check for gum disease, Dr. Macaluso will measure the depth of the V-shaped pocket (called the sulcus) between each tooth at the gumline. Treatment for periodontal disease will be based on the level of damage it has inflicted on your gums. We will offer treatment, such as antibiotic injections, scaling and root planing (SRP), gum grafts, gum surgery, or extractions if necessary. 

If Dr. Macaluso determines you have periodontal disease, he will discuss his suggestions for your treatment program. In periodontal cases caught early, SRP will be performed to clean out your gum pockets. In more serious cases, antibiotics will be administered with a series of SRP sessions. Chronic cases of gum disease will normally call for gum surgery, like pocket reduction or gum grafting.

Based upon the stage of gum disease and treatment program, your recovery period can be lengthy. You might need to have a number of appointments to clear an infection and have healthier gums. It is really important to follow all of Dr. Macaluso's instructions, attend treatments, and have regular dental exams and cleanings. It's also wise to keep up a daily home dental hygiene regimen, including flossing and brushing. Dr. Macaluso may suggest an antibacterial mouthwash and/or toothpaste. 

Periodontal disease will get worse if you don't get the right therapy so it's crucial to get expert help when any signs occur. At Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC, we work with you to heal your gums and to stay clear of future cases of this detrimental gum disease. Taking measures to have better oral hygiene will positively influence your overall health in the long run. Dr. Macaluso is here in Houston to help. Call today to make your preventive gum disease appointment and keep your teeth, gums, and jawbone strong.