Woman with gum pain

Gum Disease

Are your gums dark, red, puffy, or sensitive? Do they bleed when you brush and floss? If so, you may be suffering from gum disease .

Tampa Dental Wellness offers advanced treatments for periodontal disease to improve your oral and overall health.

See how our dentists serving Tampa, Carrollwood, and Westchase, FL, can restore your oral health and your smile.

Are Red, Swollen Gums
Causing You Pain? Contact Our Dental Office Today

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Gum disease can be painful, make it difficult to chew, and cause bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to more serious oral and physical health issues. If you're in the Carrollwood, Westchase, or greater Tampa, FL, area and are suffering from the symptoms of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease, we invite you to contact our dental office so we can help restore your oral health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Man with jaw pain

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums. It's caused by oral bacteria naturally present in the mouth, which also cause bad breath and tooth decay.

gums with gingivitis

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and creates gum inflammation. It's caused when plaque and tarter accumulate and collect bacteria, irritating the gum tissue.

gums with periodontitis

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that develops if gingivitis is not treated. It causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that fill with bacteria and plaque.

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Treating periodontal disease can save your teeth.

Gum Disease Symptoms Warning Signs That Your Periodontal Health May Be Compromised

Gingivitis Symptoms

  • Swollen gums
  • Discolored gums
  • Sore or tender gums
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum recession

Periodontitis Symptoms

  • Persistent bad taste in your mouth
  • Pus around your teeth or gums
  • Wiggly or loose teeth
  • Pain while biting and chewing

Am I at Risk For Developing Gum Disease?

While gingivitis and gum disease are fairly common in the United States, there are some factors that can put you at a greater risk for developing the condition, such as:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting the dentist for routine dental cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease.

Poor Physical Health

Poor nutrition, obesity, and autoimmune disorders such as Crohn's disease and arthritis can put you at greater risk for developing the condition.

Hormonal Changes

Sudden hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause can put you at a greater risk. Certain medications can also affect your gum health.

Use of Tobacco

People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to develop periodontal disease, even if they maintain good oral hygiene.

Family History

If you have a family history of periodontal disease, you are more at risk of developing the condition yourself.

Do You Think You Have Gum Disease? Contact Our Dentists to Get the Treatment You Need

Gingivitis and periodontitis can adversely affect the health and appearance of your smile. If you notice any of the symptoms we've listed above, it's crucial that you visit Drs. Amy Creech-Gionis, Lauren Maass, Allisha Anand, and Hannah Fortier . Tampa Dental Wellness is deeply committed to the Hillsborough County community and has two state-of-the-art offices to serve the region.

During your visit, you'll find our office is less like a traditional dental practice and more like a spa. This inviting atmosphere will help you relax and speak freely about the oral health issues that may be on your mind. We're here to answer your questions about periodontal care and help you have the healthiest smile possible.

Contact our practice online if you live in the Westchase, Carrollwood, or greater Tampa area and need to speak with a dentist about your oral health. You can also request an appointment by phone.

Call Tampa Dental Wellness:

(813) 855-2273

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How Tampa Dental Wellness Makes a Difference "I hit the jackpot today choosing Tampa Dental Wellness..."

1

Donna Carey

2022

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I hit the jackpot today choosing tampa dental wellness from beginning to end..All staff professional and pleasant...All of my dental anxiety disappeared.. I m looking forward to my deep cleaning and cavity fill..It was that GREAT.

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1

Elizabeth A

2022

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This is such a wonderful dental office! Every hygienist that I had an appointment with is engaging, gentle, and caring. I feel like a good friend is taking care of me each time I’m here for a cleaning, or having dental work done.

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What Causes Gum Disease?

Different lifestyle and health factors can put you at a greater risk of developing gum disease. Still, overall periodontitis results from the following bad oral hygiene habits:

Poor Brushing and Flossing

Bacteria naturally accumulate in your mouth from what you eat and drink, forming plaque on your teeth. Good brushing and flossing habits help you rid your smile of plaque caused by bacteria. Plaque returns quickly. If you don't brush twice a day and floss daily, accumulated plaque can turn into stubborn tartar.

Missed Dental Cleanings

Tartar cannot be removed with simple brushing and flossing habits. Once tarter forms, you'll need a professional dental cleaning to effectively remove the hardened material that's hidden under your gums. This is why bi-annual dental cleanings are essential.

Untreated Gingivitis

The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. When tartar builds up below your gum line for too long and to a large degree, inflammation and irritation can be seen at the base of your teeth, indicating gingivitis. If it is not treated, gingivitis can turn into more severe gum disease.

The Dangers of Gum Disease

In addition to affecting the gums, untreated periodontal disease can lead to other serious oral health problems.
Misaligned teeth

Tooth Misalignment

As periodontitis progresses, it can make your teeth loose and sore and also result in pronounced gaps and changes in your dental alignment.