A healthy mouth involves more than just healthy teeth; the gums and bone that support the teeth also must be maintained to support overall health. When that is accomplished, it is possible to maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime. Here at our Murphy NC dentistry office, we strive to make that achievable for every patient who has that goal.
It all begins with a proper assessment of your gum health, including gathering information on any risk factors you have that could make you more likely to have periodontal disease. Some of these risk factors you can take measures to improve, such as stopping smoking. Other risk factors related to genetics and systemic health issues are more difficult to address.
Our office offers deep cleaning, scaling and root planing to remove calculus buildup from beneath the gumline. We also scrape the plaque from above and below the gum line and smooth the rough areas along the tooth, which assists in the removal of bacteria that gather there. It also helps the gums reattach more easily.
We keep a close eye on your teeth and gums and may schedule you to come in more than twice annually for periodontal treatment to ensure that your gums stay healthy.
The following are considered factors that might make you more prone to developing periodontal disease:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- High stress levels
- Diabetes
- Taking certain medications such as birth control pills, heart medicines and antidepressants
- The aging process
- Improper nutrition
- Pregnancy
- Dry mouth
It is important to understand that there are usually no signs or symptoms of early periodontal disease. The American Academy of Periodontology identifies the following as advanced signs of periodontal disease and while we strongly recommend not waiting until you experience any of them, call our office to schedule an appointment if you exhibit any of the following:
- Gums that feel tender or are red and swollen
- Sores in your mouth
- Chronic foul breath
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Changes in how your partial dentures fit
- Gums that bleed with eating hard foods, flossing or brushing
- Teeth that are separating or begin to feel loose
- Pus between the teeth and gums
The only way to detect gum disease in the earliest stages is with a professional evaluation.