Cleaning and Disinfecting in the Dental Office
Could You Have Gum Disease?
Oral Hygiene Santa Rosa
Bad breath, aching jaw, painful chewing, and swollen gums — sound familiar? It might surprise you to learn that hundreds of Americans suffer from gum disease, or periodontal disease, and if these painful symptoms remind you of your daily life, you may be one of those hundred.
Addressing and correcting your gum disease before it becomes detrimental to the overall health and wellness of your mouth is crucial. Our mouths are full of bacteria that cause plaque on teeth, and if left to develop, this plaque can quickly cause inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. Gingivitis has mild symptoms, and can often be treated through regular brushing and flossing.
If left untreated, the swelling and redness of gingivitis worsens, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, and this is known as periodontitis. As the gums pull away from the teeth, the pockets created often fill with bacteria; the body’s natural response is to fight off this bacteria, and consequently creates a situation in which the body begins breaking down bone and tissues surrounding the area. The destruction in and around the tooth can become so detrimental that the tooth must be extracted.
Although most people don’t show signs of gum disease until their 30s or 40s, some lifestyle risk factors can increase gum sensitivity and therefore increase the chances of early or accelerated gum disease.
- These factors include:
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes in women
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Genetic Susceptibility
It’s important to visit your Santa Rosa Dentist regularly for oral exams and cleanings, but when should you consider an immediate appointment to address the possibility of gum disease?
- Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Unwavering bad breath
- Red or swollen, tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
These symptoms could be signs of a serious problem and should be evaluated by Dr. Dan Sullivan as soon as they are discovered.
Don’t become another victim of periodontitis! For more information about periodontitis prevention and treatment, call (707) 545-5260 to schedule an appointment with your Santa Rosa dentist Dr. Dan Sullivan today.
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