Periodontal Disease Can Be Painless
One of the reasons gum disease is such a problem is that it progresses gradually, often with no pain during the initial stages.
So how can you tell if you’re affected? Have a look at some of the symptoms:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing – No amount of bleeding is normal.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums – Redness can be a sign of irritation or infection. Gums should be a healthy shade of pink or coral.
- Bad breath – Gum disease can be a major contributing factor to persistent bad breath (halitosis).
- Gum recession – Unhealthy gum tissue may begin to recede and pull away from the tooth.
- Loose permanent teeth – As periodontal disease progresses, it can further break down the gum and connective tissues that hold teeth in place.
- Teeth fit differently when biting – Any noticeable difference in your mouth should be investigated, including changes to bite/alignment of teeth, partial dentures, or other restorations which may have loosened or shifted due to gum disease.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment to be evaluated for periodontal disease.
Dr. Angela Burns moved to Austin 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with our beautiful city. Dr. Burns is originally from the Texarkana area. She attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center for her degree in dental surgery (DDS). Dr. Burns is committed to providing her patients with gentle, technologically advanced dental treatment. She attends an average of 60 hours of continuing education every year. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society. Dr. Burns and her husband, Gary, have an 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is a proud 6th grader at Hill Country Middle School. She is also very involved in the Eanes PTO, her church, and loves raising her family in the Westlake community. “Growing up, I was drawn to mediating and helping others feel more included and less anxious. I was a camp counselor, student government officer and being the oldest of five, I was the family mediator. I found that I had a calling to help alleviate stressful situations for others and realized that being a good listener was something that was key to this. These skills really helped guide me into becoming a dentist that has based my practice on relationships, empathy and a sense of comfort. I knew that I wanted to provide an atmosphere that felt like home when others walked in. Our practice is small, personal and state of the art and we hope you feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you are here!” When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling, hiking the greenbelt, enjoying Austin’s music scene, and eating Amy’s Ice Cream.