Are You Experiencing Signs of Gum Disease?
At McMillan Family Dental, we encourage patients to visit our office for routine hygiene examinations. Not only are these appointments necessary to look for signs of tooth decay, but we also look for other common conditions that can be rather severe if not detected early and treated in a timely manner. One such condition is gum disease. Gum disease, also commonly known as periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. When gum disease is left untreated, it will continue to progress and can cause serious complications such as tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone.
Signs of Gum Disease
One of the biggest concerns about gum disease is that it does not have overly obvious warning signs, like tooth decay. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults, so it is important to be mindful of your oral health and regularly check for changes or anything that may seem different. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Gums that are excessively red
- Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth
- Unexplained bad breath
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or sensitive teeth
What Causes Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest reasons patients develop gum disease. Not only should you be brushing for a minimum of two minutes twice daily, but you should also be using dental floss daily as well. When harmful bacteria build up along the base of the teeth along the gumline, it can lead to an infection. If you know you are not caring for your teeth as you should, there is no time like the present to change your ways. If you are unsure how to brush and floss properly, we would love to help you during your next appointment.
If you are in Meridian, ID or the surrounding area and are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you have not visited our office within the past 6 months for a hygiene examination, call to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you soon!
