Achieving
oral health is about more than just preventing cavities and keeping sparkling
white teeth. Oral health also includes gum and oral tissue health. Too many
patients suffer from gum disease without even realizing it, because they don’t
understand that it is a serious condition for which you need to be alert. Gum
disease can compromise your oral health—potentially causing tooth and bone
loss—as well negatively affecting overall wellbeing. The good news is that gum
disease can be effectively treated, especially if it is caught in its earliest
stages.
Periodontal
problems result from bacterial infections of gum and oral tissue. Gum disease
may cause gum tissue to appear red and inflamed. Over time periodontal disease
causes gum tissue to pull away from teeth and bones, forming gaps called
periodontal pockets. Eventually gum disease begins to eat away at the
connective tissues that hold teeth and gums in place—this is when patients are
at risk of losing teeth.
Gum
disease is often asymptomatic until it is in its late stages, which is why it’s
so important to have regular dental cleanings. During your semi-annual
check-ups your dentist will access your oral health and determine if you need
to begin a preventative or restorative periodontal treatment plan.
In the
course of your everyday oral health routine you can be on the lookout for
telltale signs of periodontal disease.
Our Westfield general dentists list gum disease symptoms for our
patients so that they can lookout for infections at home. Notify your dentist
if you notice any of these common signs and symptoms:
Persistent
bad breath
Tender
gums
Swollen
gums
Gums that
bleed during flossing, brushing, or eating
Receding
gums
Teeth
moving position along the gum line
Patchy or
tender sores along the gum line
If gum
disease is caught early it is possible to treat the infection and avoid
substantial complications such as tooth loss and abscesses. You can lower your
risk of this devastating condition by staying alert for signs of gum disease
and by seeing a dentist regularly for a professional gum disease screening.
Combining
at-home maintenance with professional check-ups, patients can effectively
identify and conquer periodontal disease. If you have any questions about gum
disease—how it is identified or treated—give our Westfield general dentists a
call at (908) 543-3215. We’re here to answer your questions and help you get the
necessary treatment to improve your health.