Gingivitis is no laughing matter. If you allow it to go unmanaged, it can deteriorate into advanced gum disease, which causes more tooth loss in adults than cavities. During your regular checkups, our Durham dentists will record six different “pocket” depths around each tooth. If any of the attachment levels are deeper than they should be, it may indicate active disease.
Symptoms include:
- Gums that bleed
- Tissue detachment and gum recession
- Tooth mobility or loss
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Heavy tartar and plaque buildup
- Bone loss seen on x-rays
Deep Cleanings
To manage your gum infection, we will perform a deep cleaning to remove bacterial deposits along the surfaces of your tooth roots. In most cases, we recommend maintenance appointments every 3 months until symptoms are reversed or fully manageable. A bone graft may be necessary to promote support for long-term tooth stability.Why It Matters
Gum disease doesn’t just cause tooth loss - it can also impact your lifestyle. The active bacterial infection of periodontitis has been scientifically proven to suppress the immune response and allow the spread of biofilm through the cardiovascular system. The more severe your gum infection, the more difficult it is to manage or control problems like:- Blood sugar levels in diabetics
- Sleep apnea or obesity
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature labor
- Respiratory diseases
- Heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure