Gum disease is a serious condition that affects the vast majority of adult Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Amongst the many terrible symptoms of this disease, it causes tooth loss and the deterioration of jawbone health. But, perhaps most shockingly, gum disease shares a close relationship with ailments elsewhere in the body that affect liver, heart, lung and kidney health. Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke and pregnancy complications are also linked with this terrible oral affliction. So, what are the warning signs? And could you be one of the tens of millions of Americans who suffer from this disease?
We spoke to an All On 4 dental implant specialist - a dentist who provides patients with new teeth - about the signs and symptoms of gum disease to help us all realize just when we should stop procrastinating and instead seek professional medical attention.
What is Periodontal Disease?
‚¬"We all have oral bacteria, but the difference between a healthy mouth and an unhealthy mouth is the extent to which we have allowed bacteria to take a foothold,‚¬ explains a dental implant specialist in New Jersey. ‚¬"Frequent brushing and flossing and professional cleanings are typically enough to keep your teeth and gums in great shape. But it's when you don't see your dentist and are sloppy about maintaining good oral hygiene that bacteria build-up around the teeth, between them and beneath the gum line.
‚¬"Bacteria produce wastes that are very acidic, which irritates the gums and leaves the dental enamel softer and more vulnerable to erosion and decay. The longer you ignore your oral health problems, the worse they are allowed to become and eventually, you could start losing your teeth!‚¬
Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs to be aware of, which will provide you with the necessary prompt to see your dentist for treatment. You will also need to up your efforts at home by brushing more frequently and, of course, flossing: something that many Americans neglect to do every day.
The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
According to All On 4 dental implant specialists, in the initial stages of gum disease, you may notice one or more of the following:
‚¬"As the disease is allowed to progress without any intervention, these symptoms can aggravate you and you might begin noticing the following additional symptoms,‚¬ says the expert of dental implants in New Jersey!
‚¬"One of the most important things patients must realize is that gum disease doesn't necessarily cause any pain,‚¬ caution All On 4 dental implant specialists. ‚¬"Many people tend to wait until they can't ignore a problem anymore before having it seen to. And pain is one of the chief prompts for seeking medical attention.‚¬
We spoke to an All On 4 dental implant specialist - a dentist who provides patients with new teeth - about the signs and symptoms of gum disease to help us all realize just when we should stop procrastinating and instead seek professional medical attention.
What is Periodontal Disease?
‚¬"We all have oral bacteria, but the difference between a healthy mouth and an unhealthy mouth is the extent to which we have allowed bacteria to take a foothold,‚¬ explains a dental implant specialist in New Jersey. ‚¬"Frequent brushing and flossing and professional cleanings are typically enough to keep your teeth and gums in great shape. But it's when you don't see your dentist and are sloppy about maintaining good oral hygiene that bacteria build-up around the teeth, between them and beneath the gum line.
‚¬"Bacteria produce wastes that are very acidic, which irritates the gums and leaves the dental enamel softer and more vulnerable to erosion and decay. The longer you ignore your oral health problems, the worse they are allowed to become and eventually, you could start losing your teeth!‚¬
Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs to be aware of, which will provide you with the necessary prompt to see your dentist for treatment. You will also need to up your efforts at home by brushing more frequently and, of course, flossing: something that many Americans neglect to do every day.
The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
According to All On 4 dental implant specialists, in the initial stages of gum disease, you may notice one or more of the following:
- Gums that appear angry and inflamed,
- Swollen, fleshy gums that make your teeth look shorter and stubbier,
- Discoloration or yellowing of the teeth caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar,
- Gums that bleed easily when brushed.
‚¬"As the disease is allowed to progress without any intervention, these symptoms can aggravate you and you might begin noticing the following additional symptoms,‚¬ says the expert of dental implants in New Jersey!
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth that comes back shortly after brushing,
- Brown mottling on the teeth and gums, especially at the gum margins,
- Gums that suppurate (i.e. ooze pus - charming, right?)
- A receding gum line, exposing the darker roots of the teeth,
- Teeth that feel loose,
- Eventually, tooth loss.
‚¬"One of the most important things patients must realize is that gum disease doesn't necessarily cause any pain,‚¬ caution All On 4 dental implant specialists. ‚¬"Many people tend to wait until they can't ignore a problem anymore before having it seen to. And pain is one of the chief prompts for seeking medical attention.‚¬