11 Jul Do I Have Gum Disease? 

Posted at 12:32h in Health by

Do I Have Gum Disease?

If you have gun disease, chances are, you don’t even realize it. In fact, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 47.2% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease. The likelihood that you’ll suffer from gum disease increases with age. Just more than 70% of adults age 65 and older have gum disease. These statistics alone should speak to the importance of regular teeth cleanings. Recognizing the warning signs of gum disease can help you communicate with your dentists if you feel you may be at risk.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Bacteria living in your mouth infect tissue around the tooth. Gums around your tooth can become swollen, causing gum disease. When bacteria sit on your teeth, it forms a film called plaque. Plaque, if not removed, turns to tartar. The build-up of tartar can spread below the gum line, which only a dentist can remove. So you may want to visit your nearby dentist occasionally that can help in preventing the bacteria build-up and other oral problems. On the off chance, if you don’t have a good dentist in your contacts, googling ‘dentist Scarborough‘ or dentists near your area can help you in finding one.

Warning Signs Of Gum Disease

There are a number of symptoms that can warn you to the possibility of gum disease. Be sure to contact your dentist in Georgetown if you are suffering from any of these symptoms to determine if gum disease is present.

  • Continuous bad breath (even soon after brushing)
  • Gums bleed when you brush or floss
  • Swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Space between your gums and teeth
  • Teeth shifting

Types Of Gum Disease

A lack of dental care can lead to gun disease. There are two stages with gum disease, so it’s important to catch any development in the beginning stages.

  • Gingivitis: Mild stage of gum disease. Gums will become swollen and this is often caused by plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth.
  • Periodontitis: Gingivitis can turn to periodontitis if not treated soon. This disease infects the gum tissue and can cause infection in the bone tissue. Advanced periodontitis can cause your teeth to become loose or fall out.

Risk Factors For Gum Disease

Some people are more susceptible to gum disease based on lifestyle choices. Certain factors increase your chances of getting the disease:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Stress
  • Heredity
  • Crooked teeth
  • Fillings that have become defective
  • Medicines that cause dry mouth
  • Ill-fitting bridges
  • Female hormonal change (Pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives)

How To Treat Gum Disease

Gingivitis can usually be treated with good oral hygiene, but speak with your dentists in Georgetown to determine a specific plan for your oral care. If the gum disease has advanced, more extensive treatment may be needed. A deep cleaning of the tooth root surface just below the gums, prescription medications, or corrective surgery may be recommended. There are also many reasons that gum disease needs treating quickly, so don’t hesitate to get help if you see any of the warning signs.

Clean Team Savers Club

To prevent gum disease, it’s important to schedule regular teeth cleanings, brush and floss regularly, and use a mouth rinse as recommended. Call us today to schedule a routine teeth cleaning and ask us about our Clean Team Savers Club. We have three levels of membership that include cleanings and, exams and x-rays. Joining The Clean Team Savers Club means you don’t have to wait on insurance to kick-in and or wonder what insurance will and will not cover.

You can reach us at 843.314.3935 for the Pawleys Island dentist office or 843.545.1295 the Georgetown dentist office.

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