Important Information About Gum Disease
Has it been some time since you last visited our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning? If so, we recommend scheduling your next appointment today. We recommend routine exams every six months, with some patients requiring more frequent appointments. During these appointments, we do more than clean the teeth and inspect for decay, we also look for other oral conditions that can greatly affect not only your oral health but your overall health as well. One condition that we inspect for is gum disease. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults and is known as the silent disease because it does not have common warning signs as do other issues such as decay.
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. Our team is trained in detecting gum disease, which is one of the main reasons we recommend routine visits. If left untreated, gum disease can cause severe problems such as tooth loss. If you are between appointments, it is important to look for warning signs like:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
How To Prevent Gum Disease?
One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. It is important to thoroughly brush your teeth for two minutes twice per day. We also highly suggest using dental floss at least once per day to assist in removing bacteria from between the teeth and along the gumline. If you have any questions on the proper way to clean your teeth, our hygienists are more than happy to offer friendly advice and help educate you on proper techniques.
If you are located in the St. Mary’s, GA area and have any questions about gum disease or are in need of an appointment, please contact our office today. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health!
