Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. How often to you pay attention to your gum health? Your gums serve as the foundation of your smile and your oral health. When they become infected or diseased, it can cause serious consequences within your mouth as well as your body. In fact, untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births. At Elegant Smiles, we understand the importance of protecting and restoring the health of your gums. We are equipped to treat all stages of gum disease with the most proven techniques available in general dentistry.
There are many factors that contribute to gum disease. However, the primary culprit for most cases is poor oral hygiene. When hardened plaque, food debris and bacteria are allowed to build up on your teeth and gums, it causes irritation and infection in these supportive soft tissues. While an infection anywhere in your body needs attention, one within your gums can quickly progress and directly impact your smile.
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
When caught early, gum disease is easily treatable. In fact, at the beginning stages of gingivitis, the gums can be restored to greater health by simply brushing and flossing better or by scheduling a deep cleaning with your dentist. However, as gum disease progresses, it causes deep pockets to form between the gum and the tooth roots. This encourages more bacteria to accumulate, and the infection worsens as the gums further pull away from the tooth roots. Left alone, advanced gum disease can cause destruction of the underlying bone and tooth loss.
It becomes imperative that patients know how to recognize the signs of gum disease so that they can avoid its penalties. Call Elegant Smiles if you have the following symptoms:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Do you know your risk factors for gum disease? We’d love to tell you. Contact Elegant Smiles today to schedule an appointment at our Brookhaven office for a gum disease screening and/or treatment today. Never ignore receding or bleeding gums.