According to the National Institute of Health, over 47 percent of American adults suffer from gum disease, with an increase of 70% for adults over 65 years old.

At Kinsey Smiles, we treat gum disease to help patients achieve better overall health—because oral health is total health! With his extensive knowledge of oral health and periodontal disease, our dentist in Dacula, Dr. Kinsey, will get your smile functioning optimally, looking fantastic, and feeling great.

What is Gum Disease?

According to the NIH, early gum disease, known as gingivitis, can develop due to inadequate home care or a lack of regular dental cleanings. Sometimes, despite regular brushing and flossing, tartar and bacteria still tend to accumulate, particularly below the gumline and in the tiny spaces between your teeth. This can be very frustrating for patients, and we understand.

Some signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding when flossing, brushing, or eating
  • Pain or sensitivity
  • Gum recession, swelling and redness
  • Tooth mobility and loss

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. It results in inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gingiva and the gum tissue surrounding the base of the teeth.

Prompt treatment of gingivitis is crucial to your oral health. While gingivitis itself does not induce bone loss, if left unattended, it can progress into a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis and may ultimately lead to tooth loss. But not on our watch! At Kinsey Smiles, we provide high-quality periodontal treatment near you.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is a severe infection affecting the soft tissue around teeth. Left untreated, it can result in the deterioration of the bone supporting your teeth, leading to loosening or loss of teeth.

While periodontitis is more prevalent than people realize, it is largely preventable. Typically stemming from inadequate oral care, its occurrence can be avoided by brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental checkups. These measures not only help prevent periodontitis but also increase the likelihood of successful treatment if it does occur.

If you have any questions about the evolution of gum disease or are unsure if you should seek out dental care, reach out to us! We can help you book a consultation with our dentist near you, Dr. Kinsey, who will get your smile back to perfect in no time.

What Treatments are Available?

When treating gum disease at Kinsey Smiles, our initial steps involve conducting a periodontal assessment. By measuring the depth of “pockets” between your teeth and gums, we formulate a treatment strategy to assist in your recovery! During the examination, you may hear numbers ranging from 1-6. Pocket depths of one, two, and three indicate healthy conditions where your gums securely adhere to your teeth. If your pocket depth goes above 4, it can lead to bacterial infections by your teeth in your gums.
At Kinsey Smiles, we offer the following periodontal treatments in Dacula and Cornelia:

  • Scaling and Root Planing: This technique, also called a deep cleaning, involves removing plaque and tartar. Once the team at Kinsey Smiles has your teeth cleaned and disinfected, root planing will occur. Your tooth roots will be smoothed out, encouraging the gum tissues covering them to reattach more firmly. This also helps address inflammation.
  • Periodontal Management: If the disease has progressed from gingivitis, scaling and root planing will not be effective; therefore, oral health management will need to be done. This can entail more frequent checks and cleanings, prescribing antibiotics, or surgery. Lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking and eating fruits and vegetables are also encouraged.

The staff at our local dental practice has the experience and wisdom to treat gum disease with special dental cleanings designed to promote health and healing. Often, all that’s needed is to remove tartar and bacteria so your body can heal properly. Other times, we may recommend more frequent dental cleanings until the condition is under control. If you are experiencing gum disease, call Kinsey Smiles to set up your appointment.

The Whole Body-Oral Health Connection

New studies have unveiled a connection between periodontal disease and various health issues. As gum disease constitutes an ongoing infection, it triggers inflammation, potentially affecting every bodily system adversely.

Some whole-body-oral health links include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Cancer
  • Low birth weight babies
  • Erectile dysfunction

Recent studies point out that aging women with periodontal disease are at an increased risk for certain types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, and gall bladder cancers.

A healthy smile is part of good overall health. Even if you are behind on your dental cleanings, our team will provide solutions that protect your smile and your body from periodontal disease. Let’s get started today!

Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment

Kinsey Smiles provides solutions for patients at all levels of health. We will provide gentle, effective periodontal treatments near you, designed to promote healthy gums. Contact our dental office in Dacula or Cornelia today.