What You Should Know about Gum Disease

Are you one of the millions of people with gum disease? The answer may not be as obvious as you think. Gum disease is the most common oral health problem today. Yet, most people do not even know they have it. This is because gum disease is typically painless, and early symptoms of the condition are easy to miss.

Early Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing• Red, tender or swollen gums• Receding gums or teeth that appear longer• Consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth• Loose permanent teeth

If you have gum disease, it is important to get it treated because progression of the disease can lead to the loss of teeth. The good news is that the early stages of gum disease are relatively easy to treat. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed simply through the adoption of good oral hygiene habits. Sometimes a periodontal cleaning is helpful to eliminate the disease, followed by thorough daily brushing and flossing to prevent its reoccurrence.

Periodontitis, gum disease that has advanced past the early stages, causes the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth, and can lead to teeth loosening and falling out. Periodontitis can still be treated, but the treatment is more involved. The specific treatments used depend on the severity of the disease, but may include scaling and root planing, medications or surgical procedures.

Though anyone can get gum disease, some people are more susceptible to developing it than others, and as such, should be especially diligent with their oral hygiene regime. Common risk factors include:

• Crooked teeth that are hard to clean• Smoking• Pregnancy• Diabetes• Certain Medications

Contact us for more information.