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5 Signs of Gum Disease

Woman with a toothache

When it comes to the health of their smile, many people only consider the condition of their teeth. However, the health of your gums is a major contributor to your dental health. In fact, one of most destructive oral health condition to watch out for is periodontal disease (or gum disease). Gum disease is essentially a bacterial infection caused by plaque. Without treatment, the gums form deep pockets, detach from the tooth root and eventually cause tooth and bone loss. Gum disease has also been linked to stroke, heart disease, diabetes and premature birth.

Gum disease is highly treatable, especially when addressed at its early stages. Unfortunately, gum disease often goes unnoticed. Therefore, these five warning signs of gum disease are important to know if you want to avoid its serious consequences:

  1. Red, Puffy Gums: Since gum disease is an infection, the body’s immune system tries to fight it by sending antibodies to attack the bacteria. This process causes inflammation (swelling) and a dark red color to be seen within the gum tissues.
  2. Bleeding Gums: If your gums are healthy, they should not bleed on a regular basis. If your gums bleed after you brush and floss, you may have weakened gum tissues due to infection.
  3. Tooth Sensitivity: Sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold is an indication of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is primarily caused by exposed tooth roots, or when the gums have receded or pulled away. Infected gums can cause this to happen.
  4. An Abscess: In gum disease, the gums detach from the tooth and form deep gaps (called periodontal pockets). Pus can collect in this space and a painful abscess can form. At this stage, your gum disease needs immediate attention to prevent the acceleration of surrounding bone loss.
  5. Loose Teeth: Without proper support from healthy gum tissue, the affected tooth can lose stability. This is a late and serious sign of gum disease, as you are now in danger of losing the tooth.

As mentioned previously, the key to saving your teeth and protecting your overall health from gum disease progression is to treat it early. At Mitzi Morris DMD, we closely monitor your gum health at your routine dental exams. If signs of gum disease are present, we take a proactive approach to eradicate the bacterial infection and restore your gums to health. If you are concerned about the condition of your gums, don’t wait. When it comes to treating gum disease, time is of the essence.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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