Periodontics

Mullins SC Dentist Office

About 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing our dentist every 6 months.

Detect Gum Issues Early

It’s important to know that gingivitis (gum inflammation) always precedes periodontal disease. The sooner you detect gingivitis, the sooner you can take steps to protect your oral health.

Gingivitis can be reversed by practicing good oral hygiene and getting professional teeth cleanings every 6 months. But this narrow window of opportunity closes once gingivitis develops into periodontitis. At that point, your only option would be to manage the symptoms through treatments like scaling and root planing.

Early warning signs of gum disease include:

  • Gums that are soft to the touch
  • Swollen, irritated gums
  • Minor bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
  • Dark red gums, as opposed to a healthy pink color

If you recognize any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible.

Recognize the Signs of Periodontal Disease

Untreated gingivitis can progress to a more serious problem—periodontal disease.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Inflamed, swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Bright red or purple gums
  • Tender, sensitive gums
  • Mouth sores
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Persistent bad taste in the mouth
  • Spaces in between the teeth that develop over time
  • Changes in the way the teeth fit together when biting down
  • Pus between your gum line and teeth (pyorrhea)

If you notice any of these symptoms, call our dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation. Dr. Blevins will carefully evaluate your symptoms, teeth, and gums during your periodontal checkup and provide treatment when necessary.

Know the Risks of Untreated Periodontal Disease

Did you know that your oral health affects the rest of the body? For example, having gum disease can make it more difficult for a patient with diabetes to control their blood sugar. This is just one of the many ways of how your teeth and gums affect your overall health.

Multiple studies have shown a possible connection between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, and premature birth.

Request an Appointment With Dr. Blevins

Don’t put yourself at risk any longer! Dr. Blevins and his team are trained to offer effective periodontal treatments with both surgical and non-surgical options. To request an appointment with our Mullins dentist, call Blevins Dentistry at (843) 561-4039.

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