How Will I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a major health risk, and avoiding it should be a top priority. It is possible to have gum disease without showing symptoms, which is why it is crucial to see your dentist on a regular basis.

Dr. Silverman and the staff at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry believe that through these regular dental visits, you can prevent gum disease from occurring.

They are able to get a clear picture of what is happening in your mouth and what type of bacterial growth could lead to further, more extensive gum problems. While many believe that dental care is only about your teeth and their pearly-white appearance, we know that in order to have healthy teeth, you need health gums in order to support them.

When it comes to your mouth, it’s all connected and every piece needs to be tended to in order to experience maximum results.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

The only way to determine whether gum disease is present is to see a dentist. However, patients with gum disease may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Red, sore, swollen, and/or bleeding gums

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth)

• Loose teeth

Patients who are experiencing these symptoms should see a dentist immediately to begin treatment. The earlier gum disease treatment begins, the better the prognosis.

3 Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis: In this stage of gum disease, the gums are inflamed, but the surrounding bone and tissues are not yet affected. This first stage of gum disease is reversible if properly treated.

Periodontitis: Advanced gingivitis becomes periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease. In this stage, the gums begin pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets, which become infected. Patients who have periodontitis may experience bone loss, tissue loss, and other serious problems.

Moderate/advanced periodontitis: In its most advanced stage, gum disease causes significant bone, tissue, and tooth loss.

Consequences of Gum Disease

If gum disease is not treated, there can be serious health consequences that impact the entire body.

In addition to the oral problems caused by gum disease, such as tooth loss, there is growing evidence of a strong connection between gum health and health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Neglecting your oral health can be life-threatening.

It is much easier to prevent gum disease than it is to treat it. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis are all effective methods of maintaining good oral health.

Don’t waste time when it comes to managing your gum health. Between Dr. Silverman, the Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team, and you, you can rest easy knowing that together it is possible to catch gum disease before the damage has been done.

Making an appointment is easy! Simply call our office and schedule a time for a consultation.

Dental care is a partnership between patient and dentist. By allowing us to care for you, we can commit to prevention strategies that work! Don’t hesitate to reach out and share any questions or concerns that you may have in regards to gum disease.

We are ready to care for you and your family and we count it a privilege to do so! We look forward to seeing and serving you soon.

Posted by Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
4205 North Point Parkway, Building D, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 551-6864