Gum (Periodontal) Disease
How to spot gum disease.
Over half of Americans have gum disease. However, due to the time it takes to express itself, most people do not realize they have it until the condition is more serious. There are several causes, symptoms, and preventative measures you can engage in to avoid periodontal disease.
- Smoking
- Taking certain medications
- Not brushing along the gum-line
- Other diseases.
- Gum bleeding during teeth brushing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Tartar build up
- Pain with chewing
There are some simple ways to prevent gum disease. You should brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Brush along the gum-line, floss regularly, and rinse your mouth right after brushing your teeth. It is also important to eat a healthy diet, cut down on starchy and sugary foods (which increase plaque build-up), avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, schedule bi-annual check-ups, and know how antidepressants, heart medicines, and oral contraceptives may promote periodontal disease.
During your visit, we will conduct a comprehensive exam to make sure we know exactly what is going on with your teeth. You will then receive the necessary treatment from our dentist. At the end of your visit we will provide guidelines on avoiding periodontal disease in the future.