Our Blog

Gum disease is the type of oral health problem that can damage your overall health and even interfere with your lifestyle. In fact, gum disease is so serious an issue that you can’t even get braces nor have cosmetic surgery procedures until your gums are healthy. Due to the risk of failure and health complications, there isn’t a dentist in the Southern Pines area who would whiten your teeth or make porcelain veneers for you if your gums aren’t healthy enough to provide a proper foundation for your teeth.

To truly understand the issue, think about the following 5 facts about gum disease:

1. According to recent statistics, nearly half (50%) of American adults who are between the ages of 30 and 90 suffer from bleeding gums, which is a common sign of inflammation and infection.
2. Your risk for developing advanced gum disease doubles if you have diabetes. On the other hand, gum disease can also cause significant complications for patients who already have diabetes—it makes diabetes harder to control.
3. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over the age of 35, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.
4. Your risk for developing gum disease increases if you are pregnant, a smoker, have crooked teeth, use oral contraceptives, or have defective fillings.
5. Foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as certain fish and nuts, could be helpful in lowering your risk for gum disease.

There are some steps that you can take to prevent or treat gum disease, and it all begins with a trip to the dentist. You’ll need to first locate a dentist in Southern Pines who can review your health history and evaluate your gum tissue to determine if you have gum disease, and if so, determine how advanced it has become. Then, together you can design a strategy to bring the disease under control. To explore your options and get a handle on gum disease, call to schedule a dental appointment today.