Yikes… How do you expect your boyfriend or girlfriend to get closer to you if every time you smile your gums are bleeding, they are puffy looking and full of bacteria. You might be one of those people that are walking without knowing that you indeed have gum disease.
In actuality a big percentage of the perio patients are oblivious that they carry this bacteria, not knowing that it is causing other infections to last longer than years before. You become more and more resistant to antibiotics. You have weaken your own body’s defense. Well, if you are looking for answers, you need to start with your mouth.
What is considered gum disease?
Gum redness is often times neglected or probably it is given the least consideration because we are NOT AWARE that it is present until it becomes serious. I consider gum disease or periodontal disease to the inflammation of the gums and in many cases the bone support surrounding the teeth… commonly known as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Brush and floss regularly to avoid gum disease
Brush and floss regularly to avoid gum disease
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. This happens when your gums become swollen and red in color which bleeds easily when you brush them. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease because it damages the soft tissue and the bone that supports your tooth. This usually happens due to poor dental hygiene. Our mouths are full of bacteria. This bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth throughout the day.
Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Although, plaque that is not removed can harden very fast and form “tartar” that brushing alone won’t clean it fully. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar or calculus.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
1. Healthy gums come in coral pink color so if your gums are red that may be an indication that you have a form of gum disease.
2. Having inflamed gums like swollen or puffy gums is a giveaway. Have it checked don’t wait.
3. Bleeding gums is a sign of highly possible gum disease is present which could also cause bad breath even after flossing and tooth brushing.
4. Presence of tooth movement. If it is moving very easily… have it checked.
5. Receding gums. If you noticed your gums are getting lower and lower from the tooth, that may be a sign of gum disease.
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, coronary heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, stroke, respiratory problems… wow! You might be wondering how can the tooth affect the whole body system? This is spread by the bacteria found on the tartar which could travel through the arteries leading to the heart, and yes you guessed it… big problems coming up.
Remember that gum disease does not have a cure only home care maintenance and treatment during dental visits can help you with this. Gum disease can be prevented by having a daily routine of removal of plaque build-up, using proper techniques when brushing, avoiding bad habits like smoking or a poor diet.
The most important thing is having your regular dental visits already scheduled. Also regular follow-up appointments are vitally important to ensure that the disease process does not recur, causing further destruction of the gum tissue and supporting bone structure.
Dental exam
A young woman / teenager with open mouth at the dentist, who uses mirror for making a diagnosis.[/caption]
If you have any questions about gum disease please give my office a call and we can explain in detail about this topic. Perhaps now you know why your boyfriend or girlfriend is a little distant. If that is the case, we need to talk.
Dr. Randy Lozada
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