This Common Disease Could Be Putting Your Oral Health At Risk
Has it been some time since your last visit to our office? We continuously stress the importance of visiting our office for routine hygiene examinations and cleanings. You may be surprised to learn that we do more than clean your teeth and check for signs of tooth decay when you visit our office. Routine examinations are important because we inspect the mouth for signs of serious diseases that can not only affect your oral health but your overall health as well. February is a special month because we recognize the importance of preventing one of these diseases. Read on to learn more about this common disease and to see if you may be experiencing symptoms.
What is Gum Disease?
When you visit our office for a routine examination, you may be surprised to learn that we are inspecting for more than tooth decay. We also inspect for other issues such as gum disease. Gum disease is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. This common disease affects more than half of American adults and many times remains undetected. There are two stages of gum disease —- gingivitis and periodontitis. Both stages can be treated under our care; however, delaying treatment can lead to serious dental and health issues, such as tooth loss and heart complications.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often known as the silent disease because the symptoms are not as obvious as other dental conditions. The best way to prevent gum disease is keeping up with your routine hygiene examinations in our office. If it has been some time since your last visit and you notice one of these symptoms, it is important to call our office as soon as possible:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or it has been some time since your last visit to our office, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our office located in New Braunfels, TX soon!
