October 21, 2020
Gum disease can creep up on you, and before you know it you are facing potentially serious dental issues. The good news is if you know the warning signs, you can act early to get it under control.
The statistics are staggering: According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about half of all adults in the U.S. suffer from periodontal disease. We have hundreds of bacteria species living in our mouth, some of which are actually beneficial. But others cause problems.
Periodontal disease attacks the tissue that keeps your teeth attached to your gums. While gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease, if it gets worse, you may not only lose your teeth, but evidence suggests it can be related to other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Living a healthy lifestyle, practicing good oral hygiene, and a little help from good genetics, can keep harmful bacteria at bay. But it’s a good idea to know the warning signs of periodontal disease so you can take action early:
- Your gums are red, swollen, or tender
- Your gums bleed while brushing, flossing, or eating
- Receding gums
- Teeth are loose
- Chronic bad breath
- Mouth sores
- A change in how your teeth align when biting (and how dentures fit)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and your next dental visit isn’t set for the near future, come in and we can help come up with your best course of preventative oral health.