Gum inflammation. Cropped shot of a young woman shows red bleeding gums pulling the lip

Signs You Might Have Gum Disease and What to Do About It

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Gum disease is a serious condition. Left untreated, gum disease can cause loss of your permanent teeth, bad breath, and significant discomfort. If you believe that you might have gum disease, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment from yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, as soon as possible. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we help patients manage and overcome their gum disease. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth and usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene habits.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, you may notice a variety of symptoms including:

  • Puffy, red, bleeding gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away even when you brush your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain in the gums
  • Gum recession

How Can You Treat Gum Disease?

If you believe that you have gum disease, the most important thing you can do is see your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we offergum disease treatment in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. The method we’ll use to treat your gum disease depends on the severity.

Each patient will have their own treatment plan.

  • Scaling. Scaling helps remove bacteria from the teeth below the gum line.
  • Root planing. Root planing smooths the teeth below the gum line to prevent bacteria from sticking to the roots of the teeth in the future.
  • Antibiotics. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria from your mouth and control your gum disease.

Do You Think You Might Have Gum Disease? Call Today

Gum disease is a serious problem. Call today to make an appointment for gum disease treatment.

gums and teeth disease

What Causes Gum Recession?

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Gum recession is a common problem people experience for various reasons. When gum recession happens, it can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and even loss of permanent teeth. As yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we’re here to help you understand the causes of gum recession and what you can do about it. Knowing why you’re experiencing gum recession can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is what happens when your gums pull away from the base of your teeth. Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed, and that can cause pain and even bone loss.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by a variety of problems. Below are some reasons that you might be experiencing gum recession:

Gum disease. Gum disease can cause a variety of dental problems, including gum recession. Other symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, puffy red gums, loose teeth, and breath that’s bad even after you’ve brushed.

Brushing your teeth too hard. If you’re brushing your teeth too hard or brushing your teeth with hard bristles, you could be causing your gums to wear away. For this reason, it’s important to use soft bristle toothbrushes.

Smoking. Smoking can damage your teeth and gums in a variety of ways, and that includes gum recession.

What Should I Do About Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, getting help from a dentist is important. Make an appointment for adental exam in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We can diagnose the cause of your gum recession and help you get the treatment you need to protect your teeth.

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Why Are My Gums So Red? Why Do They Bleed When I Brush?

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Red and bleeding gums can be troubling for sure. Once you’ve noticed that you’re having a problem, it’s a good time to see your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. There’s a good chance if you notice blood on your toothbrush after brushing it, you’re affected by gum disease. Once you have a diagnosis, you can get treatment that can help return your teeth to better health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection in the mouth that causes the gums to become inflamed. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. In its later stages, gum disease is also called periodontal disease.

What Can I Do About Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth. When you visit the dentist for professional cleaning, your dentist will help scrape away the plaque and tartar in your mouth that causes the infection. Your dentist may even recommend a deep cleaning, wherein the plaque and tartar are removed below the gumline. Deep dental cleanings are finished in two sessions.

Seeing the dentist twice annually and brushing your teeth twice daily is a good way to keep the bacteria out of your mouth and prevent gum disease.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

If you’re concerned that you may have gum disease, here’s what to watch for:

  • Puffy, red, swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed at random times or when you’re brushing your teeth
  • Bad breath and bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away when you brush
  • Gum recession

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide periodontal therapy in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Call today to make an appointment and learn more about how you can take care of your teeth.

Close-up portrait of a sad young girl with a painful tooth, a doctor in office chairs, an isolated dentist office background clinic.

How Can I Tell if I Have Gingivitis?

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Gingivitis is an uncomfortable condition that can cause your gums to become swollen and red, and may even cause bleeding when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis can lead to other conditions, as well\. If you believe you have gingivitis, make an appointment with the dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Seek treatment as soon as possible. Below are a few things you should know about gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is mild, but if allowed to progress to the later stages of gum disease, it can become very serious. For this reason, it’s important to get your gingivitis before it’s allowed to become a bigger problem.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

You may have gingivitis if you have some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Sores in the mouth
  • Gums that bleed when you’re brushing your teeth
  • Swollen, puffy gums
  • Bright, shiny gums
  • Red gums
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth

How Can I Tell If I Have Gingivitis?

The best way to tell if you have gingivitis is to see the dentist to get a diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to tell the difference between gingivitis and more serious forms of gum disease. Gum disease can lead to problems like loose teeth and loss of permanent teeth, so it’s important to get treated as soon as possible.

If you have gingivitis, you may need periodontal therapy in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to make an appointment and find out next steps in the process.

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3 Things You Can Do to Avoid Periodontal Disease

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Periodontal disease can be devastating to your smile. Gum disease can cause gum recession and eventually tooth loss. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent periodontal disease in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY. Below, we’ve outlined some of the things you can do to maintain good oral health.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Good oral health starts with good oral hygiene at home. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth clean, with less bacteria. Some examples:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night before bed, following the instructions provided to you by your dentist.
  • Floss once per day. Floss every night before bed, again following flossing instructions provided to you by your dentist.
  • Switch to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes use an oscillating motion to get the teeth especially clean. Most models also come with a timer to ensure you brush your teeth for long enough.

2. See the Dentist Twice Per Year

Unless yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY tells you otherwise, you should go in to see the dentist twice per year. Your dentist can examine your teeth, clean away plaque and tartar, and diagnose any conditions in their early stages.

3. Know the Signs of Periodontal Disease

Know the signs of periodontal disease, and see your dentist if you notice any of them. Signs include:

  • Bleeding, swollen gums
  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing your teeth
  • Loose or missing permanent teeth
  • Receding gums

Are you noticing the signs of gum disease? Get help from a dental professional. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Call today to make an appointment.

Should I Be Worried About Gingivitis?

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If you’re someone who doesn’t keep regular dental appointments for routine cleanings, or if your at-home dental hygiene program is a bit hit-or-miss, you could be at risk of developing gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can lead to a more serious condition. Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can tell you more about how to prevent or treat gingivitis.

Is Gingivitis Serious?

Gingivitis is serious because it can lead to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. Gingivitis can also give you chronic bad breath and may cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss. Your gums may also become tender and sore if you even have a mild form of gum disease. To prevent or avoid red, painful, and swollen gums, talk to your dentist about gingivitis.

Treatment for Gingivitis

When you see your dentist regularly, they can remove the built-up plague and tartar that causes gingivitis. But if you develop this form of gum disease, early detection can prevent it from worsening. Once you have a diagnosis, changes to your daily oral hygiene may help, too. Usually, this involves brushing and flossing at least twice a day and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

What Happens If You Ignore Gingivitis?

If you ignore the symptoms of gingivitis, your condition may worsen. Advanced gum disease may cause teeth to loosen and fall out. It may also cause changes to the way your teeth fit together, leading to difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking clearly. By skipping regular appointments for cleanings, you may be setting yourself up for more costly dental work in the future.

If you’re worried about the early signs of gingivitis in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, Dr. Travis Wilson, DMD can help. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Got a Gum Disease Diagnosis? FAQs Answered  

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Research has indicated an alarming statistic when it comes to gum disease in the United States. Some figures estimate that almost half of people over 30 have some level of gum disease. If you have been told that you need gum disease treatment in Owensboro, KY, the diagnosis can be hard to hear and you are bound to have questions.

Does gum disease ever go away?

During the initial stages of periodontal disease, immediate and ongoing treatment can actually stop the problem. However, if you do not seek treatment right away, the issue can progress to a more serious problem that is more persistent and harder to fully treat or eradicate.

Will having gum disease make you lose your teeth?

People with untreated gum disease can be prone to tooth loss. This is because the pockets of bacteria eventually grow and affect the soft tissue that supports your teeth and possibly the bones beneath. However, a diagnosis of periodontal disease does not automatically mean you will lose your teeth. With the proper care, your teeth can be protected.

Is gum disease contagious?

Gum disease is not necessarily contagious, so you can’t catch it by drinking after someone or even kissing someone who has it. However, what can happen is you can pass the harmful bacteria from mouth to mouth, which could lead to problems with gum disease without good oral hygiene habits.

Work Closely with Your Owensboro, KY Dentist for Treatment

While a gum disease diagnosis can be scary, this is not an oral health condition that cannot be managed. The input and care of an Owensboro, KY dentist can make all the difference in how the condition progresses. If you believe you have problems with gum health, reach out to Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

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What is a Tooth Pocket and Why is it Important?

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If your dentist discovers a tooth pocket inside your mouth, it won’t bring a smile to your face. Instead, a tooth pocket indicates gum disease, often in an advanced stage. As to why this is so important, here’s what you need to know.

A Living Space for Bacteria

When a tooth pocket forms, it becomes the perfect spot for bacteria to grow and thrive. Since bone and gum tissue is supposed to fit very snugly around your tooth, the formation of a tooth pocket means supporting bone and tissue have been destroyed. Unfortunately, as these pockets deepen, bacteria is then able to advance under the gum tissue. If left untreated, the result could be additional bone loss and the need to extract the tooth.

Checking the Depth

To determine how much your gum disease has progressed, your dentist in Owensboro, KY will check the depth of your tooth pocket. In doing so, this will let your dentist know if the problem can be corrected by combining a daily at-home oral care regimen with professional care done at their office, or if your condition has progressed to the point where a periodontal pocket reduction procedure will be necessary. The deeper the pocket, the more likely you will need professional intervention in an effort to save your tooth from being extracted.

Keeping Your Natural Teeth

Since good oral hygiene is critical to your overall health, you should do all you can to keep your natural teeth intact. By incorporating a daily oral care routine that involves brushing at least twice per day and flossing once per day while also visiting your dentist for regular checkups, tooth pockets may be something you never encounter.

If you notice symptoms that may be related to gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Owensboro, Kentucky as soon as possible.

Why Are My Teeth Gray Around the Gumline?

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You spot noteworthy gray areas right where your teeth meet your gums. If you have spotted grayness where your teeth meet your gums, you may need periodontal treatment in Beaver Dam, KY, or you could just have an issue with decay that also needs immediate attention. Let’s take a closer look at both issues and how to spot the difference.

Could the Problem Be Gum Disease?

Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, can bring about several different symptoms, one of which happens to be discoloration of the gums. Unfortunately, if the gums are turning black or gray, this can be a sign of necrotizing, or the gum tissue starting to deteriorate due to infection. Look closely at the points of concern in your mouth and try to see if your gums are changing colors or your teeth.

Could the Problem Be Decay at the Gumline?

Most often, gray lines or spots around the gum line are a sign of decay. Because the areas where your teeth meet your gums can often be overlooked during brushing and flossing, this is a common area for decay to start to develop. Using your finger or fingernail, feel the area to see if there seems to be a difference in surface texture. If you fill dips and grooves, you may be dealing with decay.

Work with a Beaver Dam Dentist for Proper Diagnosis

Whether you are dealing with gum disease or decay at the gum line, both issues should be immediately addressed by a Beaver Dam dentist. Both problems can mean your smile is at risk and you could face further health threats without prompt treatment. Reach out to us at the office of Dr. Travis Wilson DMD to schedule an appointment for a proper diagnosis.

Portrait of a young smiling girl cleaning her teeth

Why Do I Wake Up With a Yucky Taste in My Mouth?

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On television and in the movies, almost everyone wakes up having fresh breath. However, in the real world, things are a bit different. Thus, when you wake up most mornings, chances are you have a yucky and somewhat bitter taste in your mouth. If you’ve always wondered why this occurs, here are some possible reasons that your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY wants you to know.

Decreased Amount of Saliva

When you sleep, you have a decreased amount of saliva, which fortunately keeps you from drooling all night long. However, the lack of saliva tends to dry out your mouth during the night, resulting in the bitter taste you experience each morning.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Should you not be in the habit of brushing and flossing prior to bedtime, you may want to start if you wish to rid yourself of that yucky taste in your mouth each morning. By not brushing and flossing, you allow food particles to remain in your mouth for hours and hours, which also allows the formation of bacteria inside your mouth.

Smoking and Using Other Tobacco Products

If you are a smoker, use chewing tobacco, or other types of tobacco products on a regular basis, this is not only impacting your health in a very negative manner, but also may be the reason why you have such a bad taste in your mouth upon waking.

Health Issues

When you have diabetes, a sinus infection, postnasal drip, or other health issues, these are often accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth not only when you first wake up, but also at other times during the day.

Since that yucky taste in your mouth can be caused by these reasons as well as certain medications you take or foods you eat, talk to your Owensboro, KY dentist about what can be done to solve your problem.