Did you know that more people lose their teeth to gum disease than any other dental condition (even tooth decay?) Fortunately, periodontal infections can be intercepted and managed, so that it’s possible for our patients to maintain their natural teeth for life.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you’ve ever experienced swollen gums or bleeding when you floss, your body is trying to tell you something. It could just be the start of gingivitis, but if symptoms progress, it might be a more severe form of periodontal disease. Let Nashville Dental Center in Nashville, TN know if you’re experiencing any of these other signs:
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums (“long teeth”)
- Visible tartar buildup
- Pain when you brush or floss
- Tooth mobility
- Bleeding that doesn’t improve
While daily flossing and brushing can reverse gingivitis within about two weeks, ongoing bleeding or redness is a clue that a more severe bacterial infection is developing deep under your gums, causing them to detach from your teeth.
Next Steps
During your exam, we’ll take a series of X-rays and perform a periodontal assessment to measure the bone levels and gum attachment around each tooth. If disease is present, we’ll recommend a deep cleaning to establish a healthy environment where tissues can heal and potentially reattach to tooth structure and halt bone loss.
You’ll want to schedule a maintenance cleaning every 3-6 months afterward so that we can help prevent gum disease from relapsing.
The Risk to Your Health
Periodontal disease in Nashville, Tennessee doesn’t just jeopardize your smile. It also suppresses your immune system and increases the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, infertility, pneumonia, erectile dysfunction, and many others.
If you’re looking for non-surgical periodontics in Nashville, call our office today. With ongoing gum therapy and cleanings, you can save your smile and boost your overall level of wellness. New patients are always welcome!
