Gum disease month
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection that leads to inflammation in the tissues that surround your teeth and hold them in place. It’s typically caused when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar. According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults over 30 and 70% of adults over 65 have some form of gum disease.
Warning signs and symptoms:
- An unpleasant breath or taste that won’t go away
- Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth or visibly receded
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Prevention
Consistent dental wellness visits and effective oral hygiene can reduce the risk of gum disease. Brush your teeth and gums (preferably with an electric toothbrush) for two minutes twice a day, and floss or use a water pick daily to remove plaque from between your teeth. Schedule a routine wellness visit every six months so our team can help with the plaque and tarter you can’t remove at home. You may need to visit us more frequently if you have risk factors for gum disease – like dry mouth, taking certain medications, being pregnant, or smoking.
Treatment
It is essential to control the infection once gum disease has developed. Treatment options will depend on the extent of gum disease. A deep cleaning is usually the first step, followed by gum care visits every three to four months. It is possible to treat more severe forms of periodontal disease successfully, although more extensive treatment may be required. Such treatment might include medications or corrective surgery with Dr. Gardner, our periodontist.
*The information contained in this post should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately licensed health care provider. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee is made to that effect. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or dental condition.
