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You’ve never thought twice about brushing your teeth every day until you began to notice that your gums bleed every time. As you examine your mouth more closely, you notice that while your gums appear red, your teeth seem to be fine and they don’t hurt. Is this something you should worry about? The answer is – yes! Gums that are red or bleed during brushing are some of the first signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Your team at Island Daily Dental Care wants you to understand the symptoms of gum disease in Medford so you can be proactive about your oral health.
Gum Disease and Your Overall Health
We now understand that periodontal health is closely related to your overall health and well being. Studies have shown that the bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other health concerns in the body such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and vice versa. This tells us that regular checkups with your dentist have never been more important, and that taking care of your oral health also means protecting your overall health.
Periodontal Disease 101
Gum disease is essentially the infection of the support system for your teeth, which are your jawbone and soft tissues. It occurs when excessive plaque buildup causes separation between your gums and teeth, which allows the harmful bacteria below the gum line that causes the infection. Left untreated, gum disease will eventually destroy your bone, eliminate support for your teeth, and cause tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults.
The First Stage of Gum Disease
When you notice that your gums bleed during brushing, or that they appear red and swollen, this is the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Chronic bad breath that won’t go away is another sign of gingivitis. This is the right time to contact your dentist for a checkup and cleaning because gingivitis can often be successfully managed with a thorough professional cleaning and improvements to your home care, so be proactive and schedule your next appointment.
The Later Stage of Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. In this stage you may notice gum recession and that your teeth begin to feel mobile. Periodontitis requires a cleaning called scaling and root planing that reaches below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We may also recommend antibiotic therapy, and severe cases could require surgery.
Prevention is truly your first line of defense against periodontal disease in Medford. Contact your team at Island Daily Dental Care today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.