Just like your house has a sturdy foundation, so do your teeth. Your gums and jawbone support them, and when they're compromised, your teeth are at risk too.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the primary support system for your teeth, and left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. Did you know that gum disease is actually the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults?
At Preston Ridge Dental, Dr. Ramsay uses resources like oral DNA testing to identify patients at an increased risk of developing problems like gum disease, so we can help them prevent it. She also uses laser therapy to help patients manage and treat advanced gum disease.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Early gum disease is called gingivitis. We screen for signs of gingivitis at every routine exam because it can be hard to detect on your own. Gum disease often develops painlessly, so many people don't realize there's a problem until it has progressed. Regular exams let Dr. Ramsay spot changes early, when treatment is simpler and more comfortable.
Signs of gingivitis to watch for include:
Gums that bleed during brushing
Red, swollen, or irritated gums
Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing or a mouth rinse
If we catch gingivitis early, many patients can manage or even reverse it with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to their home care routine.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. During this stage, you may notice these symptoms:
Loose teeth
Pain or tenderness when eating or chewing
Receding gums
Treating periodontitis may require a deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) that reaches below the gumline, antibiotic therapy, laser treatment, and, in severe cases, surgery.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The truth is that gum disease is highly preventable. Here’s what you should know.
Quit Tobacco Products
Smoking or using tobacco weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to gum disease.
Routine Dental Checkups
Regular dental visits are an excellent way to protect your smile from gum disease and tooth decay.
Consistent Home Care
Brush twice and floss once daily to protect your teeth from gum disease.
Advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, occurs when bacteria and inflammation damage the gums and the bone that support your teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss, and research has linked it to broader health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes. Dr. Ramsay treats gum disease with a functional and holistic approach that focuses on healing the tissues while preserving as much of your natural smile as possible.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your condition, but it may include:
Laser therapy, a minimally invasive option that removes infected tissue and bacteria with less discomfort, bleeding, and downtime than traditional gum surgery.
Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots.
Ozone therapy helps disinfect gum pockets and supports healing.
Antimicrobial rinses or localized treatments to control harmful bacteria.
Nutritional and lifestyle guidance to strengthen your body's natural defenses.
Understanding Laser Therapy
Laser therapy often suits patients who want effective results without scalpels or sutures, and many return to their normal routines quickly. After treatment, regular periodontal maintenance visits help keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of the infection returning.
If you've noticed bleeding, tender, or receding gums, contact our team at (972) 668-7118 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ramsay. Early care can make a meaningful difference for your smile and your health.
Contact Our Team
Because gum disease is closely tied to your overall health, don't ignore any signs or symptoms. Research has linked gum disease to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, so caring for your gums supports your overall well-being, not just your smile. Our team is here to help.
Is it time for your next routine teeth cleaning and checkup? Do you need gum disease treatment in Frisco? Request a visit to Preston Ridge Dental online or call (972) 668-7118 to speak with a team member and schedule.
Dr. Kirstin Ramsay is the owner and dentist at Preston Ridge Dental, where she combines her passion for beautiful smiles with a whole-body approach to health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry and completed a two-year General Practice Residency at Louisiana State University. With more than two decades of dental experience, Dr. Ramsay purchased Preston Ridge Dental in 2013 and has built a practice rooted in clinical excellence and patient wellness ever since.
What sets Dr. Ramsay apart is her commitment to functional dentistry, …
At Preston Ridge Dental, Dr. Ramsay uses laser dentistry to treat gum disease gently and precisely. The focused laser energy targets infected tissue and harmful bacteria while leaving healthy gum tissue intact, often with less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort than traditional methods.
Many patients also enjoy a quicker, more comfortable recovery. Because healthy gums support strong teeth and overall wellness, this minimally invasive approach fits naturally with Dr. Ramsay's holistic philosophy.
Dr. Ramsay is the best dentist I have ever been to. She is thorough, informative and genuinely concerned for the health of your gums and teeth. She is a perfectionist when cleaning your teeth, placing a filling, and fixing a chipped tooth. I trust her with my family's dental care. She and her office staff are personable, friendly, down to earth and very caring. I highly recommend Preston Ridge Dental.
