Patient Newsletter

Wondering about the latest in dentistry?

We're working very hard to make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable, and gentle. To that end, we investigate all of the latest technologies and techniques. Click on the desired topic to learn more:

• Periodontal Disease
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Bridges and Crowns

Something to Smile About

Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75 percent of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70 percent of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease are mild, some people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors, like plaque buildup, tobacco use, certain medications, and stress, as well as unpreventable causes, like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Research proves up to 30 percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, what we call plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins to break down the natural fibers that hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance that cannot be removed by brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession, and tooth loss.

Symptoms and signs include:

• Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
• Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Bite changes
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please call us immediately to schedule a consultation and assessment. Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your fresh and healthy smile.

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We hold ourselves to the highest standard of care, because we feel excellence is everything. Visit Schleicher-Read Dental Group at our Houston, Texas, general and cosmetic dental practice and not only see, but feel, the difference experience makes. Drs. Schleicher and Read proudly serve patients in the Memorial, Montrose, Midtown, Bellaire, Katy, and Galleria neighborhoods. Call our office today and schedule your appointment for expert dental care.

• IMPLANTS
  If you're missing one o more teeth, dental implants offer a natural-looking solution.
• Sedation Dentistry
  we perform difficult or extensive procedures while you sleep lightly.
• INIVISALIGN
  Straighten your smile in a more comfortable way.
• LUMINEERS
  Make the Most of Your Smile with Minimal Reduction.
• HEADACHES AND TMJ TREATMENT
  If you have freguent headaches, facial pain, or neck pain; we can help.
• TEETH WHITENING
  Whitening is a simple, safe way to brighten your smile.