Gum Diseases in Houston: An Overview

Gum diseases in Houston are a pervasive problem that affects a staggering percentage of the population, not just in the Lone Star State, but in the entirety of America. Characterized by a bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, gum diseases present with a myriad of symptoms that if left untreated inevitably lead to tooth loss and premature edentulism (not having any original adult teeth left). Beyond this, however, gum diseases in Houston are linked with the onset and exacerbation of other fatal conditions and diseases of the body’s vital functions such as the heart, the respiratory system and Diabetes and can also cause pregnancy complications. At this juncture, many of you will breathe a sigh of relief; feeling safe in the knowledge that your gums are disease-free, but according to statistics released by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 80% of all adults in the United States present with gum diseases in Houston, which means that the odds are dangerously stacked against you!

Gum Diseases in Houston: The Signs and Symptoms



Wow! 80%? That means that 8 of out 10 people have some form or stage of gum diseases in Houston, most of which don’t even know it! But, how is it possible to have a bacterial infection in your mouth without registering that your oral health is severely at risk? This is the problem with gum disease; in its beginning stages, it doesn’t present with noticeable symptoms. Inflamed gums, bad breath, a little bleeding when brushing and mild tooth discoloration can quite easily go ignored for many years, especially if you are one of the many that suffer from a phobia of the dentist’s chair. However, it is absolutely imperative that gum diseases in Houston are treated as soon as possible if you are to avoid oral problems that will haunt you for the rest of your life. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease, which is an acute and chronic bacterial infection of the gums, migrates deep into the gingival sulci (the gums surrounding the tooth in their sockets) causing pockets of decay and toxins to accumulate. This leads to the loss of jaw bone tissue, which plays an essential role in keeping the teeth anchored in the mouth. The results with time are tooth loss, not to mention the preceding decay. So what can you do to avoid becoming another statistic of gum diseases in Houston?

Avoiding Gum Diseases in Houston



Regular dental appointments are fundamental. Your dentist will be able to identify the early signs of gum diseases in Houston and treat the infection before it has a chance to do irreparable damage to your gums, jaw bone and teeth. Then of course, it is up to you to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene from home. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes and start flossing! You can also use an anti-bacterial mouthwash after meals to prevent the nasty pathogens from flourishing in the bits of food left behind. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth irrigated and avoid habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. Good oral hygiene together with regular visits to the dentist will prevent you from succumbing to gum diseases in Houston and will help you to keep your pearly whites for as long as possible!