Do You Have Gum Disease?
Some Questions To Ask Yourself...
- Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
- Are your gums red, swollen or tender?
- Have your gums pulled away from your teeth?
- Is there pus between your teeth and gums when you press on your gums?
- Do you have permanent teeth that are loose or separating?
- Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together when biting?
- Have you noticed a change in the fit of your partial dentures?
- Do you have a problem with bad breath?
If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, you may be one of the 1 out of 2 adults (over the age of 18) in the United States who are affected by gum disease and may not know it!
But it doesn't hurt now...
Although periodontal disease can be painless, not treating it can lead to painful problems. Ignoring gum disease can result in not only the loss of teeth and good oral health, but can also cause serious problems for the rest of your body. Gum disease can weaken the immune system causing lung infections in people suffering from chronic lung disease.
Studies have revealed that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease. These studies have also shown that a common strain of bacteria found in plaque can cause of blood clotting. The inflammation of the gums caused by periodontal disease also provides this bacterium with an optimal opportunity to enter the bloodstream. This release of bacteria can result in blood clotting which has been related to heart attacks and heart disease. The association between periodontal and heart disease has been shown to be as strong as the link between heart disease and cholesterol, unhealthy body weight, and smoking.
Gum Disease and Your Smile
Often the first clue to identifying periodontal disease is bleeding while brushing. Infected gums will appear red and swollen and may bleed periodically, however, these warning signs are often overlooked as they may or may not be painful to the person. Bleeding gums are such a common problem that many patients do not recognize the bleeding as a warning sign. Unfortunately many people wait to receive treatment until a major problem results from non-treatment of a periodontal problem, for example a lost tooth. Remember your gums help hold your teeth in place. Periodontal disease attacks this tissue as well as the bone beneath, making teeth weak and easily broken.
How Does Gum Disease Progress?
Periodontal disease, like any other, is unpredictable. Doctors are unable to predict how quickly the disease will progress. Statistics show that 1 in 2 adults (over the age of 18) are affected by the disease. That is over 50 % of the adult population. By age 35, that statistic is raised to 3 out of 4 people, a shocking 75 % of the adult population.
Some Good News...
You can stop periodontal disease. With treatment and proper oral hygiene, gum disease can be controlled and prevented. If you have or think you have a periodontal condition call our office immediately. The sooner your condition is identified so you can receive treatment, the better your overall health will be. Early detection of this disease is easy.
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