Gum disease is a serious oral health disease that most people don’t know they have. About half of all adults experience some form of gum disease during their lifetime. And, of course, the older we get, the more susceptible we are to all kinds of infections, including gum disease. Fortunately, gum disease is entirely preventable without having to take extraordinary measures.
Gum disease is more common than you might think, and it often starts quietly. You might notice a little bleeding when you brush, occasional bad breath, or slightly puffy gums. It’s easy to ignore at first, but gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss without treatment.
Your gums do so much for your smile—they keep your teeth secure, protect against harmful bacteria, and play a big role in oral health. But here’s the thing: gums often don’t get the attention they deserve.
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is caused by improper oral hygiene. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around your teeth. If not treated, gingivitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease can be prevented through correct oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and cleanings. Regular visits to the dentist will allow the doctor to catch gingivitis in its earliest stages, reversing it and stopping it from progressing.
When was the last time you visited our office for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning? If it has been longer than six months, you are due for a visit. During these appointments, we not only clean your teeth, but we also thoroughly check for problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Gum disease is extremely prevalent because it affects more than half of American adults. Read on to learn more about this treatment to be sure you are not experiencing any of the symptoms.
At Vargas Dental Associates, we are passionate about our patients receiving regular oral hygiene examinations. During these appointments, we are able to spot any problem areas in the mouth and recommend immediate treatment. Unfortunately, when problems with your oral health, such as gum disease, are left to progress and worsen, your teeth and mouth are not the only areas of your body that can be affected. One area of your body in particular that can be negatively affected by oral health issues is your heart.
We feel that it is important for patients to understand the seriousness of caring for and being mindful of their oral health. Because we only see many of our patients twice a year, we want them to know and understand the signs that their oral health might be struggling. The majority of patients think that discomfort and pain is the only sign that there is a problem with their oral health. While that is a major warning sign that would indicate a problem with decay, there is another serious condition that affects approximately half of American adults, and the warning signs to this disease are less noticeable. Interested in learning more? Continue reading to learn more about this common disease and its warning signs.
When patients mention visiting the dentist, the thought on most patients’ minds is about the state of their teeth and finding out whether they have decay and need a treatment, like a filling. It is very rare that we see a patient and their first question is about the state of their gums. From the time we are young, there is such an emphasis on how to properly care for our teeth that most of us don’t realize the importance of properly caring for our gums. You may be surprised to learn that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when harmful bacteria infect and inflame the gum tissue.
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.
