2019 Newsletter Gum Disease Awareness Month
Love Your Smile? Care for Your Gums!
Patients who have been coming to Denton Dental Center for quite some time may already be familiar with our practice’s emphasis on gum health. Having a healthy smile is not just about preventing tooth decay; it’s about making sure that your gums are healthy enough to keep your teeth in place. Without them, your teeth won’t stay in your jaw for long.
One of the most startling facts about gum disease comes from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Based on their reports, the AAP states that nearly 50 percent of American adults have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis, the most advanced form of gum disease.
That’s why for the month of February, Dr. Balington wants to introduce Gum Disease Awareness Month. During this time of the year, we want to discuss the causes, effects and treatments behind gum disease. With the right treatment and prevention, you can make sure that your teeth have a healthy place to live.
How Does
Gum Disease Appear?
Like tooth decay, gum disease forms when plaque goes unremoved from the mouth. Over time, bacteria inside plaque attacks the gum tissue, leaving it red, tender and inflamed. Daily oral care and routine dental visits can remove this plaque relatively easily, but putting off your oral care habits will only allow it to spread and fester in other areas of the mouth.
Furthermore, diet can also play a role in your overall risk, not just your oral care habits. For example, if you’re consistently consuming sugar, starch or acidic food and beverages, your mouth will be more acidic. As a result, this promotes an environment for plaque-producing bacteria to thrive, even if you practice daily oral care.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often considered to be a “silent killer” because it rarely shows obvious signs in the earliest stages. By the time the more noticeable symptoms start appearing, it’s already begun attacking the gum and bone tissue holding your teeth in place. In the early stages, minor bleeding can occur after you floss. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and is typically remedied by improved at-home care and a thorough cleaning in our office.
However, if you start to notice any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you get to our office as soon as possible for treatment. These symptoms include:
- Red or dark purple gums
- Tender or sensitive gums
- Pain while chewing or biting down
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Chronic bad breath even after brushing
- Receding gums
- Teeth that appear longer than usual
The Importance of
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease that goes untreated can easily lead to the permanent breakdown of bone tissue and eventually tooth loss. However, you can prevent gum disease from developing that far in the first place if you commit to a complete oral care routine. The sooner you seek gum disease treatment in Denton, the lower your risk for potential problems will be.
In the event that you do develop gum disease, there are effective and reliable treatments you can expect when you visit our office. The treatment you choose largely depends on the level of gum disease that’s present.
- Biannual Cleanings – For those with mild and early signs of gum disease, a thorough cleaning at our office should be sufficient to treat and reverse its development.
- Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) – This is considered to be the most effective solution for removing plaque from above and beneath the gum line. SRP is ideal for moderate levels of gum disease.
- Antibiotic Therapy – While not always necessary, antibiotics are typically done in tandem with either SRP or biannual cleanings if needed. This medication works to break down infections more quickly and promote regrowth of gum tissue.
If you’re experiencing symptoms mentioned in this month’s newsletter, there’s no better time than now to get the treatment you need. Gum disease has the potential to be permanent if not handled early, so don’t wait to make Gum Disease Awareness Month a top priority. Schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member today and protect your gums from future problems!
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