Could I Have Periodontal Disease and what does it look like? Some symptoms of gum disease include persistent bad breath, loose or sensitive teeth, and painful chewing. You may have red or swollen gums, and they may bleed when you brush or floss. Many patients assume that it’s normal to bleed occasionally when you brush or floss, but it’s not–if you see blood on your toothbrush, you should make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible.
Gum disease also causes receding gums. In other words, your gums move to a lower point on your teeth. This can expose the tooth roots, making your teeth more sensitive and leaving you more vulnerable to root infections. If your gums are receding, you may notice that your teeth look longer than they used to, because more of them are exposed.
Healthy gums are an important part of your overall dental health. If your gums aren’t healthy, you’re at risk for infection, tooth loss, and other dental problems as well. But it’s easy not to recognize the signs of periodontal disease. Unfortunately people either don’t notice the signs, or they mistakenly believe that certain signs are actually normal. Here are some of the things that you should know about periodontal disease so that you can take good care of your gums.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a type of bacteria that occurs in dental plaque. This is why it’s so important to brush and floss regularly. Removing plaque from your teeth doesn’t just protect the teeth, it also removes the bacteria that causes gum disease.
There are also risk factors that make your mouth more vulnerable to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors—not only does it make you more vulnerable to gum disease, but it also lessens the efficacy of gum disease treatment. Other risk factors include diabetes, immunodeficiency disease like AIDS, certain medications, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and a family history of gum disease. If you have any of these risk factors, be especially careful to protect your gums and get screenings for periodontal disease.
Watch Out Periodontal Disease Can Effect Your Overall Health
Periodontal disease is a problem in and of itself, and poor gum health also negatively affect your tooth health. However, it’s important to realize that periodontal disease can also have serious impacts on your overall physical health as well.
Gum disease is linked to several serious health conditions. It can contribute to or exacerbate heart disease, and it may also increase your risk for the kinds of strokes that are caused by blocked arteries. Patients who have diabetes and gum disease have more difficulty getting their blood sugar under control than diabetic patients who have healthy gums. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to respiratory illnesses, and pregnant patients with gum disease are at risk for premature birth.
Understanding gum disease is the first step toward preventing it. Make sure that you’re following your dentist’s instructions for cleaning your teeth and receiving regular dental checkups. Early detection can improve the success of gum disease treatment, don’t wait for complications. Give us a call today 865-539-1119
Why Dean Cosmetic Dentistry and Dr. Donnie Dean? You honestly won’t find this level of dentistry anywhere else.
Superior training, continuing education, technology and experience are a few reasons to choose our dental office. Dr. Donnie Dean is a Cerec Mentor and Trainer teaching these advanced skills to dentist across the nation. He’s also just a really great guy who loves learning and spending time with his patients. Advanced Training Groups, forums, study clubs, seminars and leadership training are standard practice and the level of quality that places our training and technology in a class by itself. For advanced, quality and incredible dentistry look no further. Dean Cosmetic Dentistry is a leading dental practice filled with incredible staff and patients. You’ll receive the best treatment available and feel comfortable and secure. Call us, we’re here for you – 865-539-1119 http://www.deancosmeticdentistry.com LOOK what others are saying about us... https://birdeye.com/dean-cosmetic-dentistry-center-144297510769472