February is known for Valentine’s Day, for the Super Bowl, and even for Heart Month. What you probably didn’t know is that the month is designated to gum disease awareness too. Unfortunately, not many people know about that – or about the dangers of gum disease. We believe it’s our job to do everything we can to keep your smile as healthy as possible. So in honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, we’re dedicating this blog to sharing the signs of gum disease and other vital information you need to know. After all, about 1 in 2 adults will have gum disease in their lifetime.
If you or someone else you know has any of these signs, please don’t hesitate to call us at 843 916-0990 today.
Gum Disease Is as Sneaky as It Is Dangerous
The reason there’s a month dedicated to raising gum disease awareness is because so many people don’t know they have gum disease. We said about half of adults will get it, though, so it’s important to know exactly what it might look like. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums (mostly when brushing or flossing)
- Tender gums
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Sensitive gums with hot and cold
- Pain or discomfort when eating
- Bad breath
- Teeth looking longer than they used to
- Gums separating from the teeth
- Grooves or pockets in your gums
- Loose teeth
- A bite that doesn’t feel right anymore
- Change in your dentures fit
So it’s not hard to believe in the early stages of gum disease why someone doesn’t realize a little blood on their toothbrush isn’t normal. And it’s not. Any of these signs are reasons to make an appointment with us to find out if you have gum disease. We’ll provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
Why You Should Be Concerned About Periodontal Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts with bacteria accumulating on and under your gums. That causes inflammation in your gums, or gingivitis. Over time, gingivitis can lead to infected gums, or periodontitis. Eventually, your body starts to attack the infection, but in the process, it can begin attacking the underlying bone too. At that stage, you start to lose bone, a process that’s irreversible. Without that support for your teeth, your teeth can become loose.
Contrary to popular belief, gum disease is actually the number one cause of adult tooth loss, not tooth decay.
But aside from these oral problems, there may be more at stake. There’s a growing body of evidence that suggests gum disease may affect or even cause medical conditions. So far, some of these include:
- Heart disease
- Heart infection
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Cancer
- Respiratory illness/infection
That’s why gum disease has even been called the silent killer. Though it may not be accurate to say that, the point is that gum disease signs can be subtle, and so people may put off treatment until they start having irreversible damage, whether in the mouth or elsewhere.
We prefer not to take chances. A lot is at stake. That’s why we check you for gum disease at every dental exam. If we find it, we can start treating you immediately.
Get Comfortable Gum Disease Treatment
If you have a mild form of gum disease, you may simply need a good dental cleaning and improved care at home. We can give you tips for cleaning your teeth and even for products that can help.
If you have a moderate or advanced form, we may use laser gum therapy to clear out the infection and restore health to your gums. A laser is gentler and faster than traditional forms of treatment.
If bad breath has accompanied your gum disease, we can recommend products to eliminate it. And even if your gum disease has progressed to the point that you need an extraction, we’re here to do that too. We can even help you with tooth replacement options.
Don’t let gum disease affect your smile. And don’t feel too embarrassed to get help! We are here for you in a nonjudgmental, caring way. If you have any signs of gum disease, call DocMark Dentistry today at 843 916-0990 or contact us online to request an appointment. Dr. Markusen and our Myrtle Beach team are waiting to help.