According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gum disease is one of the most common conditions in the nation, impacting one out of every two American adults. Many people aren’t aware of how serious and prevalent this issue is, and not knowing about the problem can put your mouth at risk, because you don’t know how to protect yourself. To celebrate National Gum Disease Awareness Month, learn about how you can prevent this oral disease, and what you can do to treat the symptoms.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by problems like poor dental hygiene; however, other factors can increase a person’s risk of developing this issue as well. When plaque isn’t regular removed from your mouth, it can hard into tartar and create the perfect environment for harmful oral bacteria to colonize. These bacteria feed off of the sugars and carbohydrates that are found in the food debris located in plaque and tartar. After they chow down, they release waste in the form of enamel-eroding acid and toxins that are known to cause inflammation and infection of the gums.
During the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, the symptoms are significantly less severe. As the condition advances, it becomes more dangerous and can result in permanent side-effects, such as tooth loss. This is why it’s important to diagnose the problem early by going to routine checkups and cleanings with a dentist in Tappan.
What Are The Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Depending on the stage of the gum disease, patients can experience a variety of symptoms. The most common sign of the condition that many patients overlook is bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. Some other symptoms to look out for include:
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose or separating teeth
- Small pockets of bacteria between your teeth and gums
- Oral sores
- Permanent tooth loss
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can examine your mouth and diagnose the problem.
Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
After your mouth is inspected and your dentist has confirmed that gum disease is what’s causing your symptoms, they’ll be able to form a customized treatment plan to help reverse or ease the symptoms. The earlier the problem is spotted, the higher the chances that they’ll be able to completely reverse the signs and restore your oral health back to normal, which is why it’s a great idea to get regularly examined every six months. Depending on your needs, your dentist may choose to treat the issue with a deep cleaning, antibiotic therapy, or gum recontouring.
Since this February is Nation Gum Disease Awareness Month, there’s no better time to learn about this common oral health problem that affects 50 percent of Americans. Knowing more about the disease can help you combat it and keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy for years to come,
About the Author
Dr. Mariliza LaCap is passionate about helping her patients optimize their oral health and restore their comfort by offering high-quality periodontal therapy. She completed her Aesthetic Advantage Certification at New York University as well as her D.D.S. Degree from the Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. She has experience providing customized gum disease treatment as well as other services, such as restorative dentistry and endodontics, to name a few. For questions or to schedule a checkup, visit Smile More Dentistry’s website or call 845-675-1512.