What is Gum Disease?

premier • April 11, 2024

Gum disease can be a dangerous infection to suffer through. If you are unsure if you are suffering from advanced gum disease, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Here are tips on how to look for gum disease and what to do next!

What is Gum Disease?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research ( NIDCR ), gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. In the advanced stages of gum disease, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. It is essential to seek medical treatment to prevent further damage from gum disease.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

What Causes Gum Disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria between the things we eat that might linger, mucus, and other particles. When all of these things mix together your teeth begin to form plaque. Plaque is the sticky colorless substance found on teeth. Brushing our teeth and flossing is so important because it rids our mouths of plaque.

If teeth are not cleaned regularly, plaque can harden and turn to tartar. Tartar is not something daily brushing and flossing can fix on its own. You will need to visit the dentist to get tartar removed. That is one crucial aspect of visiting the dentist at least once a year. Uncleaned tartar is one of the ways you can acquire gum disease. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes in women and girls, illnesses, and more can cause gum disease. If you want the full list of things that can cause gum disease, please visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research here.

Next Steps

If you are experiencing any of the causes along with symptoms, it might be time to visit your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth and then make a treatment plan based on the examination. The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The type of treatment will vary depending on each case. There is no need to worry because South Holston Dental can help.

At South Holston Dental, we promise to cater to every budget and provide several options to overcome the financial obstacles and potential time commitments treat can present. If you feel you might potentially be suffering from gum disease, please call us today for more information at (276)466-9800. For more information on our other services, or you want to make an appointment, you can visit us online today! At South Holston Dental, we promise to provide you a healthy and happy smile!

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