Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a study in 2009, reporting that 64.7 million American adults suffer from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. That’s 47.2 percent of people in the United States over 30 years old with poor oral health. You may have gum disease and chalk its symptoms up to other issues. You may be living with gum disease knowingly and not getting it treated, which could pose a considerable risk to your health in many ways. Tusculum Dental Care, a top-rated dental practice in Greeneville, wants to give you the facts on gum disease and how it can affect you and the people you love.
Gum Disease Symptoms
It’s important to note that if gum disease is not detected and treated early, the damage it does is irreversible. Even then, the effects of gum disease can be managed with proper dental treatments and good oral hygiene habits. It’s also important that you know gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder stage, and if the disease is treated then, you avoid permanent damage. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, however, then you face new problems and new symptoms.
Gingivitis symptoms include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily and frequently
- Bad breath
- Foul taste in your mouth
Periodontitis symptoms can include all of the gingivitis symptoms, as well as any combination of the following:
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Receding gums
Gum Disease and Other Infections
Living with untreated gum disease, especially in its advanced stage, means you are more susceptible to several other infections and ailments, some of which can be life threatening. The list includes heart attack, diabetes, and stroke, as well as a higher likelihood of developing anxiety and depression.
How did I end up with gum disease?
A poor oral care routine is the leading cause of gum disease in the U.S. You brush twice a day. You floss. You use mouthwash. However, do you go to the dentist twice a year? Visiting your dentist once every six months isn’t just a luxury. It’s a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and preventing gum disease. When you visit your general dentists in Greeneville for a checkup, you receive a professional dental cleaning and thorough checkup. We evaluate your teeth and mouth, keeping a regularly updated record of the condition of your teeth and gums. A dental hygienist cleans your teeth to completely remove plaque and tartar—which is impossible to do through routine brushing and flossing.
Other risk factors can increase your likelihood of gum disease. These include obesity, smoking, hormonal changes during pregnancy or adolescence, poor nutrition, using certain medications, or living with an auto-immune condition. Patients with these risk factors should take extra precautions to care for their teeth and gums and receive routine dental checkups and cleanings.
Gum Disease Treatment in Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville
Tusculum Dental Care offers treatment for your gum disease through repetitive therapy. This combines two different procedures. Scaling is the first step, in which we will remove any build-up of plaque and harmful bacteria, cleaning both above and below your gum line. The second part of our gum disease treatment plan is called root planing. This involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth that are exposed from receding gums, which makes it difficult for bacteria and plaque to stick to your teeth in the future. Repetitive therapy is not a one-time treatment. You will need to maintain regular dental visits and periodontal treatments so we can keep monitoring your gum health. Tusculum Dental Care is ready to help by treating your gum disease. Schedule your consultation by calling our office at (423) 639-7575 or contact us today.