The health of your gums can not only impact your oral health but your overall health. Not visiting the dentist regularly, taking certain medications and existing medical conditions can increase your chance of developing gum problems. Gum infection or damage can lead to other complex problems down the road. The gums help support the tooth structure. If they are weakened, it changes the bite or leads to tooth loss. Dr. Sarah Cook helps patients address their gum health in her Chapel Hill, NC office.
Signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis
There are several early warning signs of developing periodontitis, or gum disease. If your gums bleed after you brush or floss,
experience increased gum sensitivity, or have gums that appear red or swollen, you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is marked by gum inflammation and early infection that begins along the gum line. Eventually, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. In later stages, gum disease is characterized by symptoms such as deep pockets along the gum line and changes in the comfort of the bite.
Keeping Gums Healthy
Routine dental appointments and oral hygiene are preventative measures against gum disease. Brushing and flossing twice a say as well as scheduling biannual dental visits will keep gum disease in check. Our office also provides periodontal therapy for patients experiencing symptoms of gum disease.
If you have gum irritation, we can provide antibacterial rinses to remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. Patients with more moderate gum problems can receive scaling and root planing, treatments used in tandem to remove plaque from around and beneath the gums. We can also recommend local surgeons if patients have severe periodontitis. Oral surgery can remove damaged or infected tissue to help regenerate new, healthy tissue.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you need treatment for swollen or sensitive gums? Are you already noticing the signs of gum disease? Call Tarheel Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at (919) 551-8847 if you are a new patient. Existing patients can call our office at (919) 442-1670. For your convenience, you may also request an appointment with Dr. Cook or a member of her dental team on our website.