Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do you have persistent bad breath? These are signs of gum disease. And if left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
The good news is that there is a better way to treat gum disease. It’s called LANAP. Tennessee periodontal dentist Dr. Robert Cain is LANAP-certified. He can treat advanced gum disease with LANAP in Knoxville without the need for a surgical procedure.
What Are the Signs I Need to Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease does not happen overnight. It develops slowly. And in its early stages, it is often painless. That is why many people do not realize they have it until it becomes serious.
Here are the most common signs to watch for.
- Bleeding gums. This is the earliest and most common sign. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that is not normal. It is a sign of inflammation. Healthy gums do not bleed.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums. Healthy gums are pink and firm. If your gums are red, puffy, or sore, something is wrong. Inflammation is your body’s way of fighting infection.
- Persistent bad breath. Bacteria in your mouth release sulfur compounds. These cause bad breath. If you have chronic bad breath that does not go away with brushing, it could be a sign of gum disease.
- Receding gums. If your teeth look longer than they used to, your gums may be pulling back. This exposes the roots of your teeth. It can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold.
- Loose or shifting teeth. As gum disease progresses, it destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place. Your teeth may start to feel loose. They may shift or move when you bite. This is a sign that advanced gum disease treatment is needed.
- Pus between teeth and gums. This is a clear sign of infection. If you notice pus, you need to see a dentist right away.
- Changes in your bite. If your teeth do not fit together the way they used to, it could be because they have shifted. This is another sign that bone loss has occurred.
- Pain when chewing. If chewing causes pain or discomfort, your gums or teeth may be infected.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But it goes beyond your teeth. Research links gum disease to serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream. These bacteria can cause inflammation throughout your body. It can damage your blood vessels. It can make it harder to control your blood sugar and can even affect your brain.
That is why finding a LANAP dentist who provides periodontal services is so important.
How LANAP Treats Advanced Gum Disease
LANAP stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. It is an FDA-approved advanced gum disease treatment that uses laser technology to remove diseased tissue and stimulate healing.
The laser is incredibly precise. It targets only the infected tissue. Healthy gums are left untouched. The laser removes bacteria, seals blood vessels, and triggers your body’s natural healing response. This encourages healthy gum tissue to reattach to your teeth. It can even stimulate bone growth.
Unlike traditional surgery, LANAP does not use scalpels or sutures. There is no cutting. No stitches. Less pain. Less bleeding. Faster recovery. Most patients return to normal activities the next day.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If your gums bleed, if your teeth feel loose, if you have persistent bad breath, do not wait. These signs will not go away on their own. Gum disease only gets worse with time.
But there is hope. LANAP treatment can restore your gum health without surgery. Call East Tennessee Periodontics today at (865) 276-7173 to schedule a consultation and get your smile back.
