Gum disease is one of the scariest dental problems we see. But unfortunately, few patients understand the real impact of gum disease. Drs. Yung & Jelinek and our dental team are trained to identify and control gum disease to keep your mouth healthy and looking great for years to come.
Today we want to identify some the signs of gum disease, the dangers of this disease, and how we can help you overcome gum disease. We put a huge effort in treating this problem because it will affect so many people. You can find more information about our procedures or gum disease treatment by calling us at 540-253-1377 to book a visit.
The problems of gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By the numbers, it’s more destructive than tooth decay or dental trauma. In fact, gum disease will affect about 50 percent of all adults 30 or older, and that number rises to about 70 percent for those 65 and older. That means there are millions of people affected by gum disease, and unfortunately, some people will lose their teeth.
The problems with gum disease do not end there. People with gum disease also face a higher risk of overall health problems like diabetes and even heart disease. Recent studies have found that people with gum disease have a 20 percent higher risk of heart disease. Both of these diseases deal with inflammation, and it’s believed that the bacteria from gum disease may affect other areas of the body.
What happens when you have gum disease
People struggling with gum disease don’t always exhibit the same signs. Some patients with gum disease have bleeding or swelling, while other may not experience any of these issues. In addition to bleeding and swollen gums, patients with gum disease often experience bad breath, gum recession, or even loose teeth.
Gum disease is only curable in its early stages. If you have advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, you’ll need care for the rest of your life. We recommend people with advanced gum disease visit the dentist about every three to four months for cleanings and assessments. If you’re not treating gum disease, you risk losing your teeth.
Here are some of the physical things that happen if you’re not treating your gum disease:
- Bleeding or swollen gums anytime you floss or brush
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Receding gum tissue
- Jawbone recession
The important thing to take away is that gum disease will not go away on its own. If it’s left untreated, the infection will erode the gums and bone. This is what causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fail.
Treat gum disease before it’s too late
Even though gum disease is dangerous for your oral health and overall health, it’s manageable and, in some cases, treatable. At our office, we have hygienists skilled in treating gum disease with nonsurgical procedures. Our hygienists can help you treat your dental problems and then educate you about how to avoid future dental issues.
We’re treating gum disease through a method known as scaling and root planing, and we can also treat the infection with antibiotics. Scaling allows us to remove any tartar beneath the gum line, and root planing actually smooths out the root to make it harder for bacteria to attach to the root.
With great care and vigilance, you can control gum disease before it destroys your smile. If you’re struggling with gum disease or need a great general dentist, give us a call today at 540-253-1377 or use the online form to book a visit.