Gum Disease
Aug 15, 2022
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At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we are passionate about the oral health of our patients. This is one of the reasons we recommend patients visit us regularly for routine oral hygiene examinations...
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we are passionate about the oral health of our patients. This is one of the reasons we recommend patients visit us regularly for routine oral hygiene examinations. During these visits, we not only clean your teeth, but we check for other diseases and conditions as well. One of the diseases we inspect for is gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection in your gums that causes damage to the tissue and the jawbone that support the teeth. There are two forms of gum disease: the mild condition known as gingivitis and the more serious condition known as periodontitis. If gum disease remains untreated, it can lead to serious oral and overall health complications.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease affects approximately half of American adults. One of the main causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Those who do not brush and floss thoroughly leaving bacteria behind on the teeth and along the gumline are increasing their risk of developing gum disease. Patients who do not receive regular dental care also have an increased risk. During routine hygiene examinations, we remove any lingering plaque along the gumline. Smokers and patients with a family history of gum disease also have an increased risk.
Signs of Gum Disease
Unlike other dental issues such as dental decay, there are very few warning signs of gum disease. In fact, gum disease is known as the silent disease because many patients are unaware they have the condition until diagnosed in our office. Between appointments, be sure to inspect your teeth and gums for symptoms such as:
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Red, swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
If you are noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above or if you have not visited our office within the past few months for a hygiene examination, call to schedule an appointment today at our office located in Bernardsville. We look forward to seeing you soon!