Gum Disease
Warning Signs
Of Gum Disease
- Gums That Bleed Easily
- Red, Swollen or Tender Gums
- Gums That Are Pulling Away (receded) From the Teeth
- Chronic Bad Breath or Taste
- Teeth Becoming Loose
- Change in the Way That Teeth Fit Together When Biting
- Change in the Fit of Partial Dentures
Gum disease is also known as the “silent killer”of your teeth because it has no warning signs. With regular checkups at Euclid Dental Center, you can make sure that you do not loose your teeth to gum disease. Call us for an appointment today at 909-391-4300.
Gingivitis Comes Before Periodontitis
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is one of the most common conditions affecting the mouth. You will notice that your gums are red, puffy, and bleed easily due to plaque buildup. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office; followed by daily brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up and mineralizes, it then becomes calculus or tartar. If tartar is left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. At this point, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. This condition can get worse overtime and the teeth may become loose as well. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, over 47 percent of Americans aged 30 or older have mild, moderate and/or severe periodontitis. Gum disease is usually painless, so it’s difficult for people to realize that they may have it.
Inflamed Gums
LEARN HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the destruction of the gums and bone around your teeth. The infection is primarily caused by plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is created from food residues that stick to teeth that will irritate the gum line if you let it build up. The irritation shows itself in the form of puffy red gums that bleed when you brush. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can be addressed with the removal of the plaque buildup sticking to teeth.
Take Care Of Your Dental Health
Remember, gum disease can not only affect your oral health, but your overall health as well. There is an association between gum disease and systemic illnesses, such as stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, COPD and pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site, untreated gum disease may make diabetes worse by making it harder to regulate your blood sugar. Other risk factors include:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Genetics
- Malocclusion of teeth (more difficult to keep clean)
- Pregnancy
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Medications, (e.g., steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
It is crucial to control the progression of gum disease, and that means plaque removal on a daily basis. Daily flossing is also significant in reaching in between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot. Twice-a-day brushing, along with professional dental cleanings twice a year, are absolute musts to prevent gum disease. At Euclid Dental Center, we believe that healthy gums are the foundation of successful dental treatments. Call us today at 909-391-4300 for a consultation.
Euclid Dental Center offers a full array of dental services to help you maintain healthy teeth.
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