With the start of a new year, we are wishing nothing but health and happiness for all of our patients in the year ahead. It is our goal to help our patients achieve optimal oral health. With all that has been happening over the past few months, we know that concern for your overall health has been at the forefront of your mind. We want to remind you what a major role your oral health plays in your total health. During a routine dental examination in our office, we examine your mouth for more than you realize. Read on to learn more about one of the most important areas of your mouth, and here is a hint: it’s not your teeth!
Recognizing Gum Disease
When people think about their oral health, they should be equally concerned with their gum health, as well as the health of their teeth. Studies have found that over half of adults in the US suffer from some form of gum disease, or periodontitis, making it a common problem. Gum disease is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Although many adults are infected, oftentimes it remains undetected until it is too late.
Gum disease prevention starts at home with maintaining proper brushing and flossing practices. In addition, a visit to our office twice a year can help keep this silent disease under control. There are red flags that can be warning signs, indicating that an issue is brewing:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Continuous bad breath
- Tender or sore gums
- A receding gum line
If you notice any of these indicators between visits to our office, we suggest calling to see if an appointment is needed. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to infection in the gum tissue, ultimately followed by damage to the jaw bone.
We understand that there is some concern about attending dental appointments at this time, we want to assure you that we are taking every possible safety precaution for the well-being of our patients and staff. Delaying dental appointments and treatments is far more dangerous than a trip to our office.
If you are located in the Montgomery area and are concerned about the state of your gums or are in need of your of a routine dental examination, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
