Periodontics in Taos, NM
Understanding Gum Health
Periodontics focuses on maintaining the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. While brushing and flossing are essential habits for protecting your smile, they are not always enough to prevent oral health conditions like gum disease. Your gums play a vital role in the stability and function of your teeth, and when they are compromised, so is your overall oral health. The field of periodontics helps diagnose and manage gum-related conditions before they can progress and cause more serious complications.
Healthy gums are firm, pale pink and fit snugly around your teeth. They serve as a protective barrier, keeping bacteria from reaching the underlying bone and tooth roots. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on your teeth and along the gumline, it can irritate your gum tissues. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this point, symptoms may include redness, tenderness, swelling or bleeding when you brush or floss.
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation extends deeper below the gumline and begins to affect the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, tooth mobility and, eventually, tooth loss. Periodontal care aims to stop this progression and restore the health of your gum tissues before permanent damage occurs.
Why Periodontal Care Matters
Even if your teeth are free of cavities, untreated gum disease can undermine the long-term stability of your smile. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and pregnancy complications. This is why routine periodontal evaluations are an important part of your dental checkups. Early diagnosis makes it possible to manage gum disease with minimal intervention and prevent further harm to your smile and overall health.
In addition to protecting your natural teeth, a healthy gum foundation is essential for successful restorative work. Your gums provide the framework for crowns, bridges and other prosthetics to function comfortably and securely. When your gums are healthy, you are more likely to enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come.
Your Partner in Periodontal Wellness
Dr. Kellie Harris, Dr. Kayci Harris and our team are committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health through comprehensive, preventive care. By including periodontal assessments in your regular visits, we can identify the earliest signs of gum disease and help you take the right steps to protect your smile. We welcome you call Northern New Mexico Dental Center at 575-751-9661 today to learn more about periodontics in Taos, NM, and schedule an appointment with our dentists. Let us support you in achieving a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth!
Why Our Patients Love Us
Andrea R.
Kellie Harris and her staff are simply amazing! I was scared to death because I hadn’t been to the dentist in years! They made it painless and relaxing and their professional ‘can do’ attitudes let me know that I was in very good hands. This is THE place to go in Northern New Mexico! I can’t thank them enough!!
Krishna D.
Taos is so lucky to have Kellie Harris. With those magical little starfish hands, astute insight, experienced aesthetic approach and a great personality, she is a delight and I actually looked forward to going to the dentist! Don’t waste your time or money going to Santa Fe. You can have it done here by someone who thinks outside the box and won’t give up until you’re satisfied.
Michael N.
Wonderful experience at Northern New Mexico Dental Center. In and out quickly with every little pain
I finally found my dental home!
Anne K.
Beautiful office, friendly staff, there was no charge for my consult and they have an office dog!
Sally O.
Fantastic care. Fun, knowledgeable and caring people, all of the staff. How can you love going to the dentist? Well, I do.