Protecting Your Oral Health From Gum Disease

26 April 2023
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Gum disease is a common condition, but it is serious because it can cause widespread damage to your mouth by infecting the soft tissues. This leads to a range of unpleasant and severe symptoms. In particular, it can even cause tooth loss if left untreated. Despite this, individuals often fail to take this threat seriously.

Fact: Gum Disease Can Be Present With No Symptoms

A common misconception about gum disease is that it always presents noticeable symptoms such as pain or bleeding. However, in many cases, gum disease may not initially show any visible signs. This makes it especially important to have regular dental check-ups to detect any early signs of the condition.

Undergoing dental check-ups twice a year is an essential part of maintaining your oral health because they allow your dentist to monitor your teeth and gums closely. These visits give your dentist an opportunity to examine your mouth for any gum inflammation or infection that could indicate the presence of gum disease. In addition to visiting your dentist regularly, you should also be vigilant about detecting early signs of gum disease at home by looking out for redness or swelling in the gums and any changes in their texture or appearance.

Fact: Gingivitis Is The First Stage Of Gum Disease

Plaque accumulating on the teeth is a primary cause of gingivitis. This disease causes redness and swelling in the gums but does not involve bone loss or deep pockets between teeth and gums associated with periodontitis. If caught early, gingivitis can be reversed and managed through proper dental hygiene.

Treatment for gingivitis typically involves a thorough professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, followed by regular brushing, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash to maintain healthy gums.

Fact: Gum Recession Is A Common Symptom Of Gum Disease

Gum recession refers to the gradual pulling away of the gum tissue from the tooth surface, exposing more of the tooth structure or even its root. It can result from various factors, including aggressive tooth brushing, teeth grinding or clenching, misaligned teeth, or genetic predisposition.

Fact: Gum Disease Has Been Linked To Overall Health Problems

Bacteria found in infected gums can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout your body, increasing inflammation levels in your blood vessels and potentially harming vital organs such as your heart. Unfortunately, these issues can be especially serious for those with compromised immune systems. For these individuals, it is imperative to be diligent about maintaining the overall health of their teeth and gums.

Contact your dentist to learn more.