Important Information to Know About Gum Disease
At Vargas Dental Associates, we believe that a healthy mouth starts with healthy gums. Gums that are not healthy can lead to problems with not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. Gum disease is a serious condition that affects more than half of American adults and many times is left undetected giving it the name the silent disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, the most common disease affecting American adults, is the result of bacterial growth along the gum line and around the tooth. Commonly caused by a lack of oral care, such as improper brushing and flossing, the irritation and infection can range from minor to more severe symptoms. Gum disease can also be caused by other factors such as smoking, aging, medications, and hormonal changes.
Warning Signs
Although gum disease doesn’t have obvious symptoms as seen with other dental conditions such as tooth decay, there are warning signs that you can monitor and look out for:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Gums that are excessively red
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
- Unexplained bad breath
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
Is Gum Disease Treatable?
If you experience any of the warning signs we mentioned, it is important to visit our office as soon as possible. It is also important to be sure that you are up to date on your hygiene examinations and visit our office every six months. We always inspect the state of your gums during your examinations and can detect any issues early. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, we are pleased to inform you that it is completely treatable even if in advanced stages. If in advanced stages, Dr. Vargas may perform a treatment known as scaling and root planing. These non-surgical procedures are used to clean tartar that has accumulated below the gum line followed by smoothing imperfections in the teeth.
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you have not visited our office in the past 6 months for a hygiene examination, call to schedule an appointment today at our office located in Bowie, MD. We look forward to seeing you soon!