Dr. Craig Alexander understands how frustrating chronic gum disease can be. Healthy teeth and gums are imperative for all over health. Thankfully, you can combat chronic gum disease, including periodontitis with regular visits to your dentist’s office in East Greenbush.
According to Medicare, Americans spent over 135 billion on dental services in 2018. You can only imagine how high that figure is three years later.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is gum inflammation normally caused from poor oral hygiene. There are two types of gum disease, gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis. Both of these conditions cause bleeding pink and puffy gums.
Keep in mind that gum disease isn’t usually painful so it is important to pay attention to the signs. If you have bleeding or red gums, schedule a dental checkup with Dr. J. Craig Alexander.
The number one cause of tooth loss in adults, periodontal disease, can be controlled but never cured. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, take care of it ASAP so that it doesn’t become periodontitis.
Why You Get Gum Disease
Dr. Alexander explains that food debris and bacteria become trapped in the space between your teeth and gums. This is called sulcus. If the sulcus gets full of food debris and plaque, swelling occurs causing redness and bleeding. This leads to gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. If left untreated your teeth will get lose and eventually fall out.
High Risk Factors for Gum Disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Medications such as steroids, chemotherapy, and oral contraceptives
- Crooked and chipped teeth
- Poorly fitting dental appliances
- Broken Fillings
- Family history
- Weak immune system
Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Bite change
- Loose teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when you chew
- Partial dentures that don’t fit
- Chronic bad breath
How Dentists Treat Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. If you use tobacco quit and if you have diabetes keep it managed. Other gum disease treatments include root planing and scaling, lasers, antibiotics to treat the infection and surgery.
Health Conditions and Gum Disease
Although more research is required, some health conditions are linked to gum disease. These include:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Lung Disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Certain Systemic Disease
- Low Weight and Premature Babies
If you haven’t had your teeth and gums checked out lately, you could be dealing with gingivitis or periodontal disease. Call or text and schedule a dental checkup with your East Greenbush dentist today.