Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults? Did you know that gum disease starts and progresses with little pain at first? It's a silent disease that slowly destroys the main support system for your teeth: your gums and jawbone. Here's what you need to know to protect your smile from gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that impacts your gums and bone and slowly destroys them over time, eventually resulting in tooth loss if it's not identified and treated.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease that progresses slowly and may be hard to detect on your own. Here are some telltale signs and symptoms:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath that you can't eliminate with brushing, flossing, or mouth rinse
- Red, irritated, or swollen gums
The good news is that many patients can reverse gingivitis with better home care and a thorough professional cleaning. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a professional teeth cleaning and exam with your Allentown dentist.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. During this stage, you may notice these signs and symptoms:
- Gum recession
- Tooth mobility
- Pain or tenderness during chewing
There is no cure for periodontitis; however, our team can help you treat it and keep it under control.
Why Managing Gum Disease Is Critical for Your Overall Health
Gum disease is closely linked with many non-dental concerns, like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, high blood pressure, and complications during pregnancy. Bacteria and inflammation from gum disease can travel through your bloodstream and contribute to several other health concerns, and those conditions can, in turn, make gum disease worse.
Your biannual teeth cleaning and dental checkups are one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Contact Evolve Dental Care if it's time for your next preventive care appointment.