February may be best known for Valentine’s Day, but this is also the month where dentists take the time to make sure their patients understand the importance of good gum health. You may not give your gums much thought normally, but the truth is you could even now be suffering from gum disease that could ultimately cost you your dazzling teeth – and you might not even realize it. Celebrate National Gum Disease Awareness Month by learning about the signs of this condition and the importance of gum disease treatment in Lacey.
What is Gum Disease?
Simply put, gum disease is an infection. Oral bacteria that has been allowed to build up in your mouth can enter the gums, attacking the soft tissue. The earliest kind of gum disease is gingivitis, and at this point it can still be reversed relatively easily. However, if gum disease reaches the advanced stage known as periodontitis, it won’t be as easy to treat, and your overall health could be at risk.
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Have you noticed that your gums have become red and swollen lately? Or are you seeing bleeding gums in Lacey whenever you brush or floss? Have you noticed that your teeth are starting to feel loose or seem to be shifting in your mouth? All of these symptoms could point to gum disease. If the infection is in its later stages, you might even notice pus in the pockets around your teeth.
Remember that sometimes the symptoms of gum disease don’t appear until extensive damage has already been done. As such, regular dental checkups with your dentist in Lacey are the most reliable way to detect gum disease as early as possible.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Disease?
Gum disease never gets better on its own. If you leave the bacteria in your gums to their own devices, sooner or later they’ll destroy the ligaments that attach the teeth to your jaw, and you could end up with multiple gaps in your grin. Your overall health could suffer as well; numerous studies have linked gum disease to heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, and other perilous conditions. Thus, it’s always better to seek treatment as soon as you can!
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
By performing a procedure called scaling and root planing, your dentist can remove the harmful bacteria from your gums along with any tartar that has accumulated on your teeth. This prevents further damage from the infection and helps the gum tissue rejoin with the tooth. Scaling and root planing can be performed with either traditional metal tools or a dental laser.
Are you concerned about gum disease? Your dentist can perform an examination to see if a periodontal treatment is necessary; they can also give you some advice for keeping your gums healthy. Take the initiative in keeping the bacteria in your mouth under control so that your smile stays intact!
About the Author
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou is committed to always providing the highest standards of care for her patients in Natick, which is why she has taken continuums from the Spears and Pankey institutes in order to further her education. Her practice, Papageorgiou Dental Associates, offers laser treatment for patients with gum disease; the result is a less painful procedure and faster healing times. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (508) 545-1126.