Do You Have This Common Disease?
When visiting our office for a hygiene examination, many of our patients think that we are simply cleaning their teeth and checking for tooth decay. While that is accurate, we also examine for more serious issues that can develop and affect your oral and overall health. Gum disease is one of the diseases that we look for, and it affects more than 50% of the adults in the US. Many adults who are affected by gum disease are unaware.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Gum disease can be found in two forms: a mild case called gingivitis and a more severe case called periodontitis. Gingivitis can be treated easily while under our care. Peridontitis requires a more involved treatment. Patients who experience periodontitis commonly have a deteriorating jawbone and loose teeth.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is known as the silent oral disease because there are no major warning signs as with tooth decay. Routine hygiene examinations are vital to detect any signs in the early stages. While there are no major warning signs, there are things you can keep your eye on while maintaining your oral care at home:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Continuous bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
Ways to Combat Gum Disease
There are a number of ways that you can help combat gum disease. The most important is to remain diligent in your oral hygiene techniques. Be sure to brush teeth properly twice a day and use dental floss daily to remove as much lingering bacteria as possible. It is also extremely important that you maintain your routine visits in our office.
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 Silverdale, WA. We look forward to seeing you soon!
