Do You Have This Silent Disease?
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, and we want to take some time to explain the importance of caring for your teeth as well as your gums. When you visit our office for a routine hygiene examination, we do more than clean your teeth and inspect for decay. We also check your gums, tongue and cheeks for indicators that you may be experiencing other issues with your oral health. Gum Disease affects approximately half of American adults. Do you know the warning signs to look for to see if you are experiencing symptoms? Continue reading to learn more.
What to Know About Gum Disease
Gum disease can often occur when oral hygiene is lacking. It is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Many patients are unaware that they are experiencing gum disease symptoms as this disease does not typically cause the same discomfort associated with other dental issues such as tooth decay. Known as the silent disease, gum disease comes with more discreet symptoms that can many times be looked over. These symptoms can include:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
Importance of Gum Disease Treatment
Similar to tooth decay, once gum disease is detected, treatment is the only solution to the problem. Gum disease does not improve without treatment, in fact, if treatment is delayed or ignored, gum disease will continue to progress until the jawbone begins to deteriorate and cannot support the teeth any longer. This ultimately leads to tooth loss so following through with our recommended treatment plan is imperative.
If it has been some time since your last visit to our office or you are noticing that your gums feel tender, appear red and swollen or are frequently bleeding when you brush, be sure to contact our office located in Spotswood, NJ to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
