The Brutal Gum Disease

Red, swollen, bleeding gums, toothaches, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. Gum disease can be brutal, going undetected for quite some time before making lasting changes to a person’s smile. But don’t panic! Gum disease can be prevented and sometimes even reversed.

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, more commonly called gum disease, is an infection of the gums. As your gums hold your teeth in place, untreated gum disease can create a trainload of issues. If ignored, it can spread to the bones or cause tooth loss. This will result in problems eating, communicating, and certainly put a damper on self-esteem.

The earlier stages of gum disease are typically painless, which means it can go undetected for quite some time. Be sure to keep an eye out for:

• Tender gums that bleed easily
• Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth that you can’t quite get rid of
• Loose teeth (for adults)
• Changes in how your teeth fit together

You’re not alone.

If gum disease manages to sneak up on you, you might feel like you’re all alone in the situation. But rest assured, you are one among many! Did you know that nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 are struggling with gum disease right now? The statistics just look more grim the older a person gets too. It is thought that around 70% of adults over the age of 65 struggle with gum disease.

Remember that even if you have one of the later stages of periodontal disease, there are still things you can do to bring your smile back. If teeth have been lost, bridges might be an option for you. Remember to give us a call, and we will find a treatment plan just for you. You are never alone while recovering from gum disease!

If you are concerned you might have the earlier stage, gingivitis, we have an article to answer any questions you might have.

Prevention of Gum Disease

As with everything, prevention is key to dealing with gum disease. 

The dentist is your ally.

Remember to keep up with your regularly scheduled dental cleanings; your dentist will be able to spot any of the sneaky signs that you may have missed. These appointments are also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions—especially if you’ve noticed changes in your teeth or gums that you want to check in about.

Home Care

At home, don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes each time, and be sure to throw in a good flossing session at least once per day! Brushing scrubs away any bacteria or plaque that could be trying to make a home on the surface of your teeth. Flossing locates any little particles that might have made their way to the tight spots between teeth.

If you find it hard to reach between certain teeth, or you have braces, don’t be afraid to add interdental brushes to your routine. Once you’ve done your best to get rid of anything that might be hiding, finish off with some mouthwash and let all the bacteria float down the drain.

Tobacco Use

Did you know that a person who smokes is two times as likely to develop gum disease? The risks continue to increase the more you smoke per day and the longer you continue to smoke. Unfortunately, the treatments for gum disease don’t always work as well for people who smoke. Though this is the case, it’s still a good idea to call the dentist for help. They always have tricks up their sleeves!

Stress and Gum Disease

When stress attacks, it can be hard to keep up with your day-to-day tasks. Unfortunately, this also includes taking care of your teeth. Your good habits might slip, leaving room for gum disease to start on its destructive path. While we all experience periods of stress in our lives, prolonged stress has some unhealthy side effects for your mouth and body. Try some of these stress-relief techniques to help manage ongoing stress.

The Role of Diet

Though none of us want to hear it, those tasty, sugary foods can contribute to gum disease. Eating too much sugar can increase the chances of developing gum disease. When the plaque in your mouth meets with the sugar, it turns to acid, making it harder for your mouth’s natural defenses to keep the intruders at bay.

Genetics

Genetics play a role in everything about you. The color of your eyes, your hair, your height, the shape of your big toe, and even your chances of getting periodontal disease. If you have a family history of it, it’s extra important to keep a sharp eye on those teeth!

Gum disease affects more than just your gums.

When thinking of gum disease, one automatically thinks of the gums. After that, the mind typically moves to the teeth. But did you know that gum disease affects more than just your gums and teeth?

As the infection progresses, bad breath won’t be the only problem. You could begin to lose teeth and grow to be uncomfortable with your smile. This creates the perfect storm, making it difficult to feel good about the way you look. You might not smile in pictures as often as before, and you might not even want to go to family events. After all, won’t your teeth be the only thing they notice?

Don’t be afraid to get the help you need!

If you find yourself in any of these situations, please, don’t hesitate to give us a call or request an appointment online. We’ve seen it all, and we want to help restore your smile to its former glory. You might be surprised by how much better you’ll feel about yourself once you have your smile back!