A lot of people don’t realize that gum disease is an extremely serious condition that can affect their systemic health as well as cause them to lose their teeth. This silent disease often creeps up on people unknowingly, eventually causing teeth to get loose and even fall out.
Knowing the warning signs can help you identify the problem before it becomes too advanced, giving you a head start on reversing the common oral infection.
Gum disease (periodontitis / periodontal disease) eventually starts out as gingivitis, with symptoms of gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Some mild redness or swelling may also be evident along the gumlines.
Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed within about two weeks of rigorous home care. If oral hygiene is lacking, however, it will progress into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this phase of gum disease often include:
- Bad breath
- Heavy tartar buildup
- Bone loss (evident on dental x-rays)
- Gum detachment (identified through a periodontal screening)
- Food packing between the teeth
- Gum recession
- Tooth mobility
If you’re already experiencing symptoms like these, then you may already have (or have an increased risk of) advanced gum disease. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough, and often don’t eliminate the symptoms within a timely manner.
Fortunately, Dream Dentist can help. Our gentle and non-surgical periodontal treatments can eliminate the source of infection that is causing the gums to detach and the bone to be lost. With dedicated home care after your periodontal therapy, you can prevent gum disease from spreading to other teeth or causing tooth loss.
Don’t wait until it is too late! Call Dream Dentist today to schedule your dental check-up.
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