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Just as your house has firm foundation to support it, so do your teeth! Your gums and jawbone are the main support system your teeth rely on, and if they aren’t healthy, your teeth are at risk. Gum disease is prevalent among American adults as it affects around half in some form. The trouble is, many people aren’t even aware of the condition or what to look for. In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, your dentist in Medford wants to spend some time educating patients about this condition and how they can protect themselves.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is best described as an infection of your gums and jawbone. When your support system is compromised it can result in tooth loss if you don’t successfully manage your condition. Gum disease is actually the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that you can prevent an infection by seeing your dentist regularly and understanding how to protect your oral health.
It’s also important to know that the bacteria that causes gum disease can also contribute to other health concerns and vice versa. Health concerns such as diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and even cardiovascular disease have been linked with gum disease.
What to Look for
Detecting gum disease on your own can be difficult because there are not a lot of symptoms in the beginning. Gingivitis is the early stage, and if you’re suffering from it you might notice that your gums appear red or irritated or bleed while you brush your teeth. Chronic bad breath that you can’t get rid of can also be a telltale sign of gingivitis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist right away for a cleaning and checkup because gingivitis can often be reversed if its detected early on.
Periodontitis is advanced gum disease and during this stage you may start to notice gum recession, tenderness when eating or chewing, and your teeth may begin to feel loose. Periodontitis requires a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that’s causing your infection. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotic therapy, or surgery for severe cases of periodontitis.
Contact Your Dentist for More Information
Your best defense against gum disease is consistent visits with your dentist every six months for checkup and cleaning. If you suspect that you might need gum disease treatment in Medford, contact your dentist right away to schedule an examination. You have the best chance of treating your condition with less invasive procedures the earlier you can catch it.
Contact your dentist today for more information.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld leads the talented team at Island Daily Dental Care. He has gathered dentists who share his passion for providing exceptional dental care in a warm and friendly environment. We are also well-equipped to help patients who are managing gum disease.
To contact Island Daily Dental Care, call 631-286-9000 or reach us online.