What To Know About Gum Disease
From the time of our youth we learn about the importance of properly caring for our teeth to prevent tooth decay. While this is fantastic and greatly helps many patients avoid the need for dental treatments, other important areas of the mouth also need to be properly cared for to prevent serious oral health complications. The gums are one area that often is overlooked when it comes to oral health and oral care. Lack of gum care can lead to gum disease, which is an inflammation or infection in the gums. When gum disease remains untreated and is allowed to progress, it can cause damage to the jawbone that supports the teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
One of the leading causes of gum disease is improper oral hygiene. When teeth are not cleaned and cared for properly, it not only leads to tooth decay, but gum disease eventually develops as well. We recommend patients brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice daily and use dental floss daily. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of bacteria between the teeth and along the gumline, also known as plaque. Plaque that remains along the gumline will lead to gum disease.
Signs of Gum Disease
Unfortunately, gum disease is unlike tooth decay in that there are no major warning signs, such as extreme discomfort, to alert you to a problem in your mouth. Routine hygiene examinations and cleanings are the best way for our team to detect any problems. Between appointments, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have gum disease:
- Signs of blood when brushing or flossing
- Tender, red or swollen gums
- Unexplained bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
If you are located in the Spring Hill, FL area and experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We also recommend scheduling a routine hygiene examination if it has been some time since your last visit. Routine examinations ensure that you are not in need of additional treatments. We look forward to seeing you soon!
