Kingston TN
If you have gum disease and it progresses to its advanced stage, periodontitis, then this infection has done permanent damage to your mouth. Periodontitis represents a serious threat to your oral health, as well as your overall health. Today on the blog, your dentist in Kingston wants to inform our patients as to the risks associated with periodontitis.
What happens during periodontitis?
Periodontitis occurs when the gums begin to separate from your teeth, forming pockets between the gum line and the base of your teeth that become breeding grounds for bacteria and decay. These pockets grow and, eventually, the bacteria in them spread to form new pockets, which just compounds the damage to your oral health. Left untreated, periodontitis leads to gum recession, the deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss. Other long-term consequences of periodontitis include infections, which can lead to the development of painful abscesses that could threaten your life if the infected material filters into the bloodstream, where it can lead to organ failure. Another long-term ramification of untreated periodontitis is an elevated risk of cardiac disease—potentially doubling your susceptibility according to completed research, as the plaque and bacteria in the mouth can infiltrate the bloodstream and form blockages in the arteries of the heart.
Periodontitis does not develop independently
Gum disease begins as gingivitis. This initial stage of gum disease is symptomized by gums that are puffy, swollen, sore, red or bleed easily, especially when you brush. If you notice any of these problems, act fast and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Kingston today. If gum disease can be identified and treated early, while still in the stage of gingivitis, you avoid permanent damage to your teeth and mouth.
Prevention is your best defense
Remember what Benjamin Franklin said: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is easier to prevent gum disease from forming than it is to treat the disease after the bacterial infection develops on your gums. Maintain a good regimen of oral hygiene by brushing at least twice per day, flossing daily and seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup. You also should curtail any use of tobacco, as smoking dramatically elevates your risk of gum disease.
Treat gum disease in Kingston, Tennessee
In most cases, LakeView Dental Arts can treat cases of gum disease through a course of repetitive therapy. This combines scaling and root planing. Scaling scrapes off any accumulated plaque from both the surface of the tooth and the portion of the tooth lying underneath the gum line. Root planing removes any plaque and smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to congregate there again.
If you’re concerned about your gum health or want to learn about how LakeView Dental Arts can stop gum disease from forming through our program of preventive care, then schedule a consultation today. Our dentists – Dr. James Walmsley and Dr. Josh Walker – currently are accepting new patients. Make an appointment today by calling (865) 376-9687 or completing our online appointment request form.
