Gum disease is extremely common in the United States; in fact, more than half of adults suffer from some form of it. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause many different health issues. Protecting your teeth and gums is crucial to your dental and overall health, but can you lose your teeth from gum disease?
What Is Gum Disease?
When bacteria build up in your mouth and cause your gums to become red and inflamed, that is known as gum disease. There are different stages of gum disease; gingivitis is the mildest stage of gum disease, while periodontitis is the more advanced stage. If left untreated, gum disease can affect the gum tissue in your mouth, your supportive tissues, and your bones.
Keeping Your Teeth With Gum Disease
The early symptoms of gum disease are inflammation and redness. Without proper treatment from your dentist in Kingsport, TN, you may develop one of the advanced stages of gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The good news is that you can reverse the symptoms of gingivitis by practicing diligent oral hygiene at home. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth daily to combat gingivitis. Also, rinsing your mouth daily with antiseptic mouthwash can help as well. Prevention is the key to avoiding gum disease in the first place.
If improved oral hygiene doesn’t work, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to remove the tartar below your gumline and smooth out the roots of your teeth so that your gums can reattach and heal.
If those techniques prove to be unsuccessful, you may be eligible for surgical procedures such as gum grafting or a surgical pocket reduction. Although advanced periodontitis can’t be cured, your dentist can do their best to save your teeth.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Kingsport, TN?
If you would like more information about the dental services at Hagan Dentistry, we are ready to take your call. Please contact our dental office at (423) 239-8021 to schedule a consultation or an appointment. Your oral health is of the utmost importance to us. We can’t wait to see you smile!