February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, and Carolina Dental Specialty Center is urging residents of Eastern North Carolina to take gum health seriously and seek care from trained periodontal specialists rather than relying solely on routine dental visits.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects nearly half of adults over age 30, and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often painless in its early stages, the disease can quietly progress, leading to gum recession, bone loss, tooth loss, and increased risk for systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke.
While general dentists play an important role in identifying early warning signs, advanced gum disease requires specialized diagnosis and treatment.
“Gum disease is not just a dental issue. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body,” said Dr. Jose Arauz, periodontist and lead specialist at Carolina Dental Specialty Center. “General dentists are essential partners in care, but when gum disease is present, patients need to be evaluated and treated by a periodontal specialist who has advanced training in managing the disease and protecting long-term oral health.”
Carolina Dental Specialty Center focuses exclusively on specialty dental care, including periodontal disease treatment, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, gum grafting, dental implants, and advanced bone regeneration procedures. Dr. Arauz is the only provider in Eastern North Carolina trained in the SMART bone grafting technique, a minimally invasive approach designed to support the body’s natural healing process and preserve bone structure.
Unlike routine dental cleanings, periodontal treatment addresses infection below the gumline and the underlying bone and tissue damage that cannot be reversed without specialty care.
“Many patients are surprised to learn they have moderate or advanced gum disease because they were seeing a dentist regularly,” Dr. Arauz said. “By the time symptoms become obvious, significant damage may already be present. Early referral to a specialist can make the difference between saving teeth and losing them.”
During National Gum Disease Awareness Month, Carolina Dental Specialty Center encourages individuals to watch for warning signs such as bleeding or swollen gums, gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, or changes in bite. Patients with diabetes, a history of smoking, or a family history of gum disease face a higher risk and should consider a periodontal evaluation.
Carolina Dental Specialty Center is located in Jacksonville and serves patients throughout Eastern North Carolina. The practice emphasizes advanced technology, patient comfort, and evidence-based specialty care focused on long-term oral health outcomes.
For more information about gum disease or to learn when a referral to a periodontal specialist may be appropriate, individuals are encouraged to speak with their dental provider or contact Carolina Dental Specialty Center directly.
To schedule an appointment, call Carolina Dental Specialty Center at 910.577.1315.
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