Have you
ever rushed through brushing or skipped it altogether because of convenience or
time constraints? If the answer is yes, you’re putting yourself at risk for gum
disease, a serious condition that can affect your oral health and overall
wellbeing.
Gum disease is a “silent,” disease that usually develops as a result of poor oral
hygiene. If you’re not brushing well, bacteria can build up near the gums,
causing inflammation. Some patients with great hygiene habits can still
contract gum disease depending on their overall systemic health, daily
medications or women who are pregnant. Not everyone experiences the tell-tale
signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
The Signs of Gum Disease
Signs of
gum disease include redness, receding gum line, bleeding when brushing or
flossing, consistent bad breath, ulcers or signs of pus, and loosening teeth.
If you start to notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist
immediately. The progression of gum disease, or periodontitis, will continue to damage
soft tissue, bone and may result in tooth loss. When the bacteria is left to
get into your blood stream, it can lead to systemic diseases such as heart
disease, stroke and Diabetes.
Because
pain is not among one of the disease’s first signs, people who have noticed
some of its symptoms may choose to ignore them, mistakenly assuming they aren’t
serious. Nothing could be further from the truth as anything that lasts more
than a few days, should be looked at by your dentist.
Prevention
Even
though gum disease is dangerous, preventing it is simple. The first step is
simply brushing and flossing more. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up.
Frequent, thorough brushing and flossing can remove bacteria before it has the
chance to turn into gum disease. The second step is cutting down on risk
factors, such as tobacco use, stress, and teeth grinding. The final and most
important step is to visit your dentist frequently for biyearly professional
cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist are experienced with identifying the
early signs and can treat the condition in the early stages.
Brushing
can help you keep gum disease and its complications at bay, and visiting a
dentist regularly can help you stay on top of your oral health. Contact Bailey Dental Group to schedule an appointment today!
