Three Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with Dr. Fredrick Shaw at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

The Proper Flossing Technique

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, if you aren’t using dental floss daily, we understand that it can be challenging to turn this into a habit. However, once you begin a proper flossing regimen, healthy teeth, a white smile, and fresh breath is only a few benefits you will reap. Those who floss daily tend to experience fewer cavities and less tartar and plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay. Here are some tips to utilize in between professional cleanings.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

• Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefingers.

• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and tooth.

• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this method in the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

If you have questions about how to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.