Healthy gums are important to the health of your teeth and mouth because they help hold your teeth firmly in place. Unhealthy gums can cause you to lose your teeth and have been linked to other, more serious, health problems, like heart disease and stroke. Keeping your gums healthy is an easy way to do something good for your overall health. Contact the Missouri City dentists at Designer Smiles Dentistry to schedule an appointment today.

Two types of gum disease

The two most common types of gum disease are gingivitis (also called gum disease) and periodontitis. Both gum diseases are caused by the same thing that causes cavities. tooth decay, and plaque.

The good news is that gum disease treatments are available. Hence, if you are showing any symptoms of a gum disease it is a good idea to opt for our natural treatment for gum diseases.

Plaque is the thick, slightly sticky stuff made up of bacteria and food bits that you can sometimes feel on your teeth. It is forming in your mouth all the time, but can be controlled with regular brushing and flossing. When it is not regularly brushed or flossed away, plaque can lead to gum disease.

Many people get mild gum disease on and off throughout their lives. The symptoms are red, swollen gums that bleed easily, when you brush or floss your teeth. Gum disease by itself is not very serious, but it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum and mouth disease, so gum disease needs to be treated.

The more serious gum disease is periodontitis, which can happen if gum disease is not treated.


CALL US TODAY for checkup. We’re located in Missouri City – 281-206-4444


With periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth creating pockets that can become infected.
 If periodontitis is not treated, the infection can destroy the bones, gums, and tissues that hold your teeth. In the worst cases, your teeth may become loose and have to be pulled, you may develop other health problems, or you may have trouble managing chronic health problems, like diabetes.

Periodontitis can lead to other problems

Some studies show a link between gum disease and other very serious health problems, like:

  • People with gum disease seem more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke 
than people without gum disease.
  • Women with gum disease seem more likely to deliver premature, low birth-weight 
babies.
  • People with diabetes often have gum disease and are more likely to develop more 
severe periodontitis than people without diabetes.

    What are the symptoms of gum disease and periodontitis?

    If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a serious dental problem and should make an appointment to see your dentist.

    • Bad breath that won’t go away
    • Swollen, sore, or bleeding gums
    • Pain when you chew
    • Loose or sensitive teeth
    • Receding gums, which may make your teeth look longer

How to keep your gums healthy

Taking care of your teeth and gums is the best way to keep from getting gum disease.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before you go to bed.
  • Floss your teeth once a day.
  • See your dentist regularly for professional cleaning.
  • If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. People who smoke are more likely to get gum disease and have a harder time treating it.