Important Information About Gum Disease
At Emerald Dental, we are passionate about our patients receiving routine dental care regularly in our office. Unfortunately, when regular examinations are postponed or avoided, problematic dental problems can arise. One common dental problem that affects many adults is gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also often referred to as periodontal disease, affects approximately half of American adults. This common condition affects the health of the gums. It consists of a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Our team is trained in detecting gum disease during your routine examinations. When gum disease is left untreated, it will continue to progress and can cause serious complications such as tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone. It can also cause many other health problems overall.
Thankfully, we have a number of treatments we can provide to our patients who are suffering from gum disease. The type of treatment we may recommend will be determined by the progression of the disease. For example, scaling and root planing is a more in-depth cleaning that helps remove infection and bacteria that are under the gumline. It provides a clean surface, making bacteria attachment to the tooth more difficult.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
Unfortunately, many times, gum disease does not have noticeable warning signs, leaving patients who do not regularly receive dental care undiagnosed. There are some signs you can look for between your appointments that may indicate a problem:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Continuous 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 located in the Pike Creek, Newark, and Wilmington, DE area and have questions about gum disease or are in need of an appointment, please contact our office today. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health!
