Improve your smile today – call to schedule a consultation!

Periodontist in Corpus Christi, TX

One of the easiest ways to keep your teeth healthy is to take good care of your gums. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a problem that affects a lot of people, but it can easily be prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth properly and having regular checkups at our Corpus Christi, TX dental office.

Dr. Williamson knows how important it is for you to avoid developing gum disease. It can cause serious problems with your oral health, and we are committed to helping you keep your teeth healthy for a long, long time by providing the treatment you need.

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

When we eat and drink during the day, a film called plaque forms on our teeth. This is natural and happens to everyone. It is important to remove plaque because germs attach to it and can start to multiply around your gums. When this happens, your gums become infected, and that is when gum disease starts. You can get rid of a lot of the plaque yourself by brushing and flossing after meals (or at least twice a day). When plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth, it turns into a hard substance called tartar.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease: Periodontal Care

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is the best way to prevent gum disease from developing. Avoiding sweet foods and drinks and following a healthy diet are also important. But no matter how well you brush, you can’t remove all the plaque and tartar on your teeth because there are just too many places between teeth where a toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Only a dental hygienist has the proper tools and skill to completely remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

What If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is very common, and it can happen to anyone. It is very important to have it treated quickly before it becomes more serious. If it is not treated, your tooth may start to feel loose and can even fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in U.S. adults.

Dr. Williamson will check to see how much gum disease is present. If no damage has been done, a thorough cleaning by our friendly hygienists is often enough to stop gum disease from developing further. In cases where the disease is more advanced, you will need a deep cleaning so that the infected tissue can be removed thoroughly.

If Dr. Williamson finds that the infection is very serious, he will use gentle laser dentistry to remove the infection. Treatment with lasers is comfortable and requires very little recovery time. In fact, laser treatment can actually help restore gum tissue to its healthy state.

Making regular appointments for checkups and cleanings is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid problems like gum disease. We make it easy by providing you with a friendly and safe environment so that you always feel comfortable when you visit our Corpus Christi office for treatment. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when the gum tissue around your teeth becomes infected. During the day, food debris builds up on your teeth and forms a sticky film called plaque. Bacteria can grow in the plaque that remains on your teeth and eventually cause the gums to become infected. If the infection is not cleared away, it may spread and cause serious problems with your dental (and overall) health.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Gums that bleed when you brush and floss are usually a sign that you have gum disease. When your gums become infected, they can become swollen and inflamed, causing bleeding when brushing and flossing. This is one of the first and most obvious symptoms of gum disease that patients notice.

What is dry mouth and what can I do about it?

Chronic dry mouth is often a side effect of certain types of medications like those prescribed for high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, and weight loss. If you have dry mouth, you should tell the dentist. Dry mouth is uncomfortable, but it can also lead to more serious oral health problems like gum disease.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. B. Clay Williamson DDS

Dr. Benjamin Clay Williamson graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2002 and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Williamson trained at the Academy of Gp Orthodontics, including Invisalign Certification I & II. One of Dr. Williamson’s areas of specialty is laser dentistry, and he trained at the World Clinical Laser Institute and the Chen Laser Institute. He is an associate fellow of the Academy of Gp Orthodontics and a member of the World Clinical Laser Institute, Academy of General Dentistry, the American ...