Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss today. Untreated gum disease causes tooth loss because it’s an infection that attacks your gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place.
If you have gum disease, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is that your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat hard, crunchy foods. Other symptoms to look for are:
- Chronic bad breath that remains even after brushing or using mouthwash
- Puffy or inflamed gums that are tender to the touch
- Teeth that feel like they’re coming loose
One of the big problems with relying on noticing the signs of gum disease is that the disease can progress to severe stages without presenting any symptoms at all. This is why routine exams and cleanings are crucial – they’re the best way to catch gum disease in its early stages before too much damage has been done.
If you do have advanced gum disease, don’t worry – we offer effective treatment that can eliminate the infection and get your oral health back on track. Please call our Allentown dental office to arrange your next cleaning so we can make sure your mouth is healthy and free of disease.