Gum Disease

Gum Disease - Reno & Elko, NV

Sore, Swollen Gums?

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You May Have Gum Disease

Do you have red, receding, or tender gums? Are your teeth sensitive? Have you noticed pockets forming between your gums and your teeth? These are all telltale signs of gum disease. Brushing and flossing twice daily in addition to having regular checkups and professional cleanings are critical to maintaining your dental health. But it’s not just your teeth that benefit from those habits. Your gums also stay healthy when you follow recommended dental hygiene routines. By taking these steps, you eliminate harmful bacteria from remaining in your mouth and closing the door to oral, and systemic infection. When allowed to flourish, those bacteria can cause gum disease, or periodontal disease. Though this may begin as minor oral discomfort, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, jawbone recession, and even serious whole-body health problems like cardiovascular disease. Don’t let gum disease go untreated. Before your condition deteriorates, seek targeted treatment for gum disease in Reno & Elko, NV from our skilled team at David M. White, DDS.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  • Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Receding gums
  • Deep pockets between gums and teeth
  • Heightened tooth sensitivity
  • Loose or shifting teeth
dental patient in need of wisdom tooth extraction

Stages of Gum Disease

When we catch gum disease at its earliest stage, gingivitis, we can reverse it. However, if your condition reaches an advanced stage, it may become incurable.

gum disease graphic stage 1

Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis is caused by plaque and calculus buildup along the gumline. This stage is usually accompanied by swollen gums that may bleed while brushing and flossing. At this point, the disease has not reached the bone underneath the gums, and as a result, is reversible.

gum disease graphic stage 2

Periodontitis

At this second stage your gums may be receding, and deep periodontal “pockets” have formed between your teeth and gums. These pockets are hollow areas that harbor tartar, plaque, and disease-causing bacteria. Open and susceptible to infection, bacteria has reached and permanently damaged your bone. If you believe you’re at this stage, seek gum disease treatment immediately to prevent further damage including tooth loss.

gum disease graphic stage 3

Advanced Periodontitis

During the final stage of gum disease, the infection has progressed and damaged the connective tissues and jawbone that support your teeth. As a result, your teeth can loosen, shift, and even fall out. This may result in changes to your bite and malocclusion as well as significant limitations to your oral function. We highly recommend immediate treatment and may advise receiving osseous surgery to manage the disease.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Tobacco use
  • Existing systemic health problems
  • Genetic predisposition
systemic health graphic

Gum Disease and Whole-Body Health

The destructive effects of gum disease don’t stop with the mouth. Studies have shown that gum disease in Reno & Elko, NV and across the country has been positively linked to systemic health issues including heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes and pregnancy complications. This is because the same bacteria that trigger gum disease can travel through your body and reach your major organs. You could be living each day with a systemic, low-grade infection. With all the dangers gum disease presents, it’s easy to see why you should do your best to prevent it and get help at the first sign of symptoms!

Related Gum Disease Articles

Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease


Have your gums ever bled when you brushed or flossed? This most commonly overlooked simple sign may be the start of a silent progressive disease leading to tooth loss. Learn what you can do to prevent this problem and keep your teeth for life...
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The Link Between Heart & Gum Diseases


Inflammation has emerged as a factor in the process of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which commonly results in heart attacks and strokes. While the precise role inflammation plays in causing chronic CVD remains an area of intense investigation, much more is now known. The good news is that, based on current research, we know that if we can reduce the inflammation caused by periodontal disease, we may reduce the risk for heart attacks and strokes...
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Periodontal Plastic Surgery


Millions of Americans have some degree of gum recession — a loss of the tough, pink tissue that surrounds teeth. Receding gums can cause anything from minor tooth sensitivity to tooth loss in very severe cases. Fortunately, the field of periodontal plastic surgery has made enormous strides in devising techniques, including grafting, to deal with the problem of lost or damaged gum tissue...
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Pregnancy & Oral Health


Pregnancy is generally thought of as the time when a woman strives to be particularly aware of the need for better health. Many women, though, may not be aware of the link that exists between their oral health and their systemic (general) health, as well as the impact this can have on a developing child. Learn about how to care for yourself and your baby...
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Don’t let gum disease destroy your smile or your health!

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