Gum or periodontal disease can damage your mouth and affect the quality of your life, especially if left untreated. This can lead to tooth loss, but also a spread of infection to other parts of the body. Gum disease has even been linked to systemic health conditions that affect your brain and heart! At Blue Ridge Dentistry, our friendly, expert team wants to help! If you’re living with gum disease, call our office in Boone, NC, and schedule an appointment today!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the health of your gums, mouth, and teeth. Ranging from mild to severe, gum disease is caused by an infection in your gums that damages the gum tissue and tends to get worse over time. If left untreated, gum disease can even lead to you losing teeth. Our skilled dentists can help identify gum disease while still in the early stages, so we can give you proper care and prevent any damage from occurring.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
These are some of the possible symptoms of gum disease.
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Formation of pockets between your teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or shifting
- Changes in your bite
What Is Gum Disease Therapy?
Gum disease is best treated by regular cleanings. Consistent cleanings can help you avoid getting gum disease in the first place. However, once symptoms do begin to appear, we can perform what we call a deep cleaning. Also known as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning involves using special tools to thoroughly clean your gums, including inside the pockets that can form between your teeth and gumline. We’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth, removing plaque and bacteria buildup, to allow the gums to have a healthy environment to reattach to the teeth. For those in the early stages of gum disease, regular deep cleanings can not only prevent the disease from getting worse, but give your gums the space and time to heal.
Great Dental Care in a Friendly, Welcoming Environment
We know that you may feel nervous about coming in for dental help. That’s why we work to create a warm, welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors. We want to help you feel safe and relaxed throughout your visit and encourage you to talk to us about how you’re feeling. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!
