Do You Have This Often Unnoticed Infection?
We all know that tooth decay can cause numerous negative effects for your oral health. Without treatment, decay can lead to severe cavities, worn enamel, discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss. Did you know there is another area in your mouth that needs just as much monitoring and affects almost half of the adults in the United States? It could be affecting you and you might not even realize! Continue reading to learn more about this oral disease.
Gum Disease
When people think about their oral health, they should be equally concerned with their gum health and the health of their teeth. During a routine visit to our office, we look for the early signs of gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Although many adults have infected gums, oftentimes it remains undetected until it is too late.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
The biggest mystery with gum disease is it can be difficult to be detected due to the lack of warning signs that are typically seen with other dental issues. For example, there is typically no severe discomfort that would lead you to visit our office. There are certain signs you can look out for which may be a clue that you might be experiencing issues with your gums:
- The faint detection of blood after you brush or floss your teeth
- Receding gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Bad breath and a lingering unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Unexplained loose teeth or newly developed spaces between teeth
How to Help Gum Disease
It is important to remain diligent in your oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily and flossing once per day is extremely important. We also suggest using mouthwash daily to help remove additional bacteria. The most important method is to be sure to visit our office for your regular cleanings and examinations.
If you are located in the Denton, MD area and are concerned about the state of your gums or are in need of a routine dental examination, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
