Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common—but also one of the most preventable—oral health issues affecting adults today. At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we take a proactive approach to detecting, treating, and preventing gum disease so our patients in Kingsport, TN and throughout the Tri-Cities can enjoy lifelong oral health.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and serious oral health complications. Because it often progresses without pain, many patients don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. That’s why we screen for gum disease during every routine exam.

Request Appointment

Gum disease typically develops in two stages:

Gingivitis is the early stage. You may notice red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with daily home care and professional cleanings.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage. At this point, the infection reaches below the gumline, creating pockets around the teeth and damaging the bone and connective tissue that keep your teeth in place. Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Common Signs and Symptoms

You may have gum disease and not even realize it. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth)
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Loose teeth or changes in the way your teeth fit together
Pus between your gums and teeth
Changes in how your partial dentures or restorations fit

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, we encourage you to schedule an exam right away.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into tartar and leads to infection at the gumline.

Risk Factors

Other risk factors include:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Certain medications (such as steroids or cancer therapy drugs)
Ill-fitting bridges or dental restorations
Crooked teeth that are harder to clean
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Genetic predisposition or a family history of gum disease

Treating Gum Disease

The best treatment for gum disease depends on how far the disease has progressed. At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a full range of periodontal therapies, including:

Scaling and root planing

A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces

Locally administered antibiotics

Like Arestin – a powerful antimicrobial placed directly into periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing, which continues to fight infection long after your visit

Non-surgical at-home treatments

Including custom periodontal trays

Surgical options or referrals

For advanced periodontal cases

Dental implants

To restore health, function, and aesthetics if tooth loss has occurred due to gum disease

Our goal is always to stop the progression of gum disease, restore your gum health, and protect the longevity of your natural teeth.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best defense against gum disease is prevention. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary or acidic foods
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Visit us regularly for dental checkups and professional cleanings

Routine dental exams also allow us to monitor your gum health over time and intervene early if signs of gum disease appear.

Arestin: Targeted Support for Healing Gums

As part of our periodontal therapy services, we may recommend Arestin, a locally applied antibiotic that helps treat gum infections at the source. Arestin is a microsphere-based powder placed gently into infected gum pockets after a deep cleaning. It slowly releases medication over time—continuing to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation long after your visit is over.

Arestin is painless, dissolves naturally, and can significantly boost the effectiveness of scaling and root planing in treating periodontitis.

Don’t Wait to Take Care of Your Gums

Gum disease is common—but it’s also manageable with the right care. At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy foundation for your smile. If it’s been a while since your last exam, or you’re noticing signs of gum irritation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment.

Contact us today to learn more about gum disease treatment in Kingsport, TN, or to speak with our team about your periodontal care options.