Healthy Gums in Kingsport
We do more than just clean your teeth and fill cavities. Our team at Bateman works hard to ensure that your overall oral health is top notch, and part of that includes keeping your gums healthy.
Periodontal disease affects your gums and the bones surrounding and supporting your teeth. How does this happen?
- Your plaque – from food, bacteria, and saliva – combines into a sticky substance that turns into calculus, or tartar.
- If not removed, this calculus and tartar eat away at your gums and the bones around your mouth.
If you have noticed that you or a family member has swollen, red-shaded, or bleeding gums, you need to contact a Kingsport dentist immediately.
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Signs of Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease is dangerous and needs to be treated immediately after learning you may have signs or symptoms. What are some good indicators that you may have gum disease?
- Bleeding gums - there is never a time that your gums should bleed. Ever.
- Loosening teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Consistent bad breath
- Pus buildup
- Receding gums
- Puffy, swollen gums
- Discomfort in mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to schedule a visit to see our team at Bateman Dentistry.
Effects of Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease can have lasting impact if you do not correct it early on. Often, the beginning stages of periodontal disease are pain-free. If you start experiencing pain, you may have had gum disease for longer than you think. In fact, 75% of Americans – yes, 3 of every 4 Americans – deal with gum disease.
The possible effects of gum disease and links to gum disease can be life-changing. You could experience any of these:
- Tooth loss
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Bacterial Pneumonia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased risk during pregnancy
Note that smoking creates increased likelihood for gum disease, so please try to avoid that.
Remember, a balanced diet paired with good oral hygiene – such as consistent brushing and flossing – helps keep gum disease away. Of course, regular visits to the dentist ensure that your oral health is looked at twice per year.
Is it time for you to stop in? Complete the form on this page or call (423)-246-9231, and we’ll get you on the schedule!