Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a widespread yet serious dental issue that impacts more individuals than heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and cancer combined. What’s more concerning is that gum disease is often painless, and most people are unaware they have it. In fact, almost half of the population has some form of gum disease, whether it’s mild gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to significant oral and overall health problems.
At the office of Heather F. Fleschler, DDS, FAGD, LVIF, we specialize in compassionate, expert gum disease treatment in Houston, TX. Dr. Fleschler, a recipient of the Academy of General Dentistry Fellowship Award and an LVI Fellow, combines her extensive training and personalized care to help protect your gums and overall health. Whether you are experiencing early signs or more advanced symptoms, our team is here to provide tailored treatment plans to keep your smile healthy.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bones supporting teeth. It begins with plaque, a sticky substance formed by bacteria in the mouth. If plaque isn’t removed by regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and makes them vulnerable to infection. This leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, causing symptoms like bleeding gums and bad breath.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form that damages the bone supporting your teeth, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to broader health issues like heart disease and diabetes, making timely treatment essential.
What Are the Effects and Signs of Gum Disease?
As gum disease progresses, it begins to break down the sensitive tissues surrounding your teeth. This causes the gums to pull away, forming deep pockets where plaque, tartar, and bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line. Over time, these pockets can lead to severe infections, damaging the tooth roots and the bone that supports your teeth, potentially causing gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
In the early stages, such as gingivitis, you may not notice any obvious symptoms. However, as gum disease advances, common signs include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
While there is no cure for gum disease, early detection allows for treatment that can stop the disease from worsening and help preserve your teeth and gums.
How Gum Disease Can Be Prevented
Prevention and maintenance can be as simple as changing how you brush, flossing more frequently, or changing the products you use for oral care at home.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to visit Dr. Heather Fleschler and her team for your regularly scheduled dental checkup.
Patient Testimonial for Dr. Fleschler
“Heather and her staff are very honest and accommodating. Facilities are top notch. Multiple generations of may family go here. I would happily recommend this dentist office to anybody.”
– Cameron S.
Personalized Periodontal Treatment in Houston, TX
Dr. Fleschler will recommend the ideal periodontal treatment option based on the severity of your gum disease. If you only experience gingivitis, Dr. Fleschler may be able to use more conservative periodontal treatment methods that focus on a more comprehensive oral hygiene regimen, including:
- Brushing at least twice a day, although preferably after every meal, & using topical fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day to remove the plaque that builds up between your teeth or use of a Waterpik water flosser
- Daily rinsing with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash
Visit our West University dental office at least twice annually for professional teeth cleaning appointments. In some cases, Dr. Fleschler may recommend more frequent teeth cleanings.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Even in advanced stages, there are non-surgical treatment options. These may include:
- Periodontal therapy – a deep cleaning method utilizing microsonic technology that removes tartar and plaque adhered to the root surface beneath the gum line
- Locally applied chemotherapeutic agents – an antibiotic treatment deposited into your infected gum pockets in order to kill all harmful bacteria
- Laser treatment – low-level laser light therapy decreases bacterial levels, reduces inflammation, removes infected tissue, increases circulation, stimulates collagen formation, and improves bone and tissue healing. Lasers heal as they work, allowing gum tissue to improve faster and helping to arrest the progression of active periodontal disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Risks Of Periodontal Disease?
The oral health issues associated with gum disease are not the only risks you face. Periodontal disease also increases your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Preterm birth/low birth weight
What Should I Do If I Am Diagnosed With Gum Disease?
If you are diagnosed with gum disease, expect to schedule more frequent hygiene visits so Dr. Fleschler can monitor your condition and ensure recovery is on track. More advanced cases may require more invasive treatments by a periodontist or a dentist specializing in gums and bone treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Heather F. Fleschler For Gum Disease Treatment?
When it comes to treating periodontal disease, Dr. Heather F. Fleschler, DDS, FAGD, LVIF offers unmatched expertise and advanced care. She has earned the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Fellowship Award, an honor held by less than 7% of dentists nationwide, reflecting her commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence.
Dr. Fleschler is also a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where she specialized in cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry, earning the designation of Fellow from LVI Global in 2015. This advanced training, combined with her experience treating conditions like TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, enables her to take a comprehensive approach to oral health.
In addition to gum disease treatment, Dr. Fleschler offers a wide range of dental services. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society, continuously staying at the forefront of dental advancements.
Dr. Fleschler’s patient-centered approach ensures that every patient receives compassionate, personalized care in a comfortable environment, making her an excellent choice for gum disease treatment in Houston, TX.
Schedule Your Consultation In Houston, TX today!
If you're noticing signs of gum disease, it's crucial to seek treatment promptly to avoid further complications. At the office of Heather F. Fleschler, DDS, we provide expert gum disease treatment in Houston, TX, with personalized care plans to address your unique needs.
Don’t wait for gum disease to worsen—early treatment is key to protecting your oral health and avoiding more invasive procedures. Contact our Houston office today at 713-660-6500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fleschler and take the first step toward healthier gums and a brighter smile.
