Your gums are the foundation for your smile. These soft tissues that hold your teeth in place should be diligently cared for throughout your lifetime. When irritation, infection or disease sets in, your teeth and underlying bone structure are at risk. It is important to understand the detrimental effects of untreated gum disease, which can range from tooth loss to consequences within your overall health. In fact, advanced gum disease has been associated with stroke, heart disease, diabetes and premature births.
Now that you know how serious gum disease can be, you should know how to detect it. While a dentist can accurately diagnose early gum disease, you can also identify some warning signs at home on your own. When it comes to treating periodontal disease, the sooner, the better.
Take a good look at your gums, do you have any of the following symptoms of gum disease?
- Bleeding around the gums after brushing
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Gums that have receded or pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Changes in how your teeth or dentures fit together
Treating and Preventing Gum Disease
First, let’s take a look at what causes this common yet serious oral health condition. Periodontal disease often begins with the excessive buildup of plaque and tartar along the gum line, which leads to bacterial growth and infection. Left untreated, this infection can eventually destroy the connective tissues and underlying bone that stabilize your teeth. Gum disease, therefore, is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
At Gainesville Dental Group, we not only closely monitor your gum health throughout the year, but we also help patients understand their specific risk factors for periodontal disease. Gum disease is more prevalent among those who smoke, have diabetes, practice poor oral hygiene and have crooked teeth.
With proper education and treatment, patients can effectively reverse gum disease. Therapies depend on the severity of the gum disease and can include a scaling and root planing procedure (also called “deep cleaning”), a procedure that eradicates harmful bacteria within the deep pockets of the gums and promotes the reattachment of the gums to the tooth roots.
Need help restoring your gum health? Call Gainesville Dental Group today.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
