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.

The post Healthy Teeth and Gums in East Greenbush appeared first on .

Gum disease plagues millions of people all over the United States. In fact, gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease is at the top of the list when it comes to tooth loss. If left periodontitis is left untreated, you will lose your teeth.

The number one cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you have bleeding, swollen or red gums, you probably aren’t brushing and flossing correctly. Ask your East Greenbush Dentist for some oral hygiene tips. If you aren’t brushing with a soft bristled brush or don’t floss every day, you probably suffer from gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

The earliest type of gum disease, this preventable disease must be diagnosed in the early stages to prevent further gum and tooth damage.

Common gingivitis symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Puffy or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums

If you don’t see your dentist, gingivitis will lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease

Ignoring the symptoms of gingivitis could get worse progressing to periodontal disease.

Common symptoms of Periodontal Disease include:

• Pain when you chew
• Hot and cold sensitivity
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Gums and teeth are separating
• Tooth loss

Only your East Greenbush Dentist Dr. J. Craig Alexander can determine if you have gum disease and to what degree.

Root Scaling and Planing is the best way to heal your gums if you are suffering from gum disease. Dr. Alexander and his team of East Greenbush Dental Center will make sure you are on road to healthy, pink, and vibrant gums after a professional teeth cleaning. Call or click for a dental appointment today.

Gum disease can be cured if you catch it quickly enough.

Call or click today.

The post Gum Disease and Tooth Loss the Connection appeared first on .

Gingivitis is quite common across the globe, but if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Dr. J. Craig Alexander, your dentist in East Greenbush, explains that mild gum inflammation, or gingivitis is quite easy to diagnose and treat.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

Changes in gum color-Gums should be pink all over. If you notice shiny areas or red patches along your gum line, it could be plaque or tartar buildup.

Changes in the way gums feel-When you press on your gums, they should be moist. Healthy gums lay flat against the teeth that seals out bacteria and food particles. Unhealthy gums will roll away from the surface of your teeth allowing pockets to form. People who suffer from gingivitis will have soft, dry, or smooth gums.

Changes in Gum Shape-Healthy gums have scalloped edges along the teeth and should be covering up the same amount of root on every tooth making them appear symmetrical. Advanced gum disease will cause gums to pull away from your teeth and recede. Teeth will begin to look misshaped or longer because of root exposure.

Bad Breath-Halitosis is one of the most common symptoms of gingivitis and is caused by poor oral hygiene habits. Food particles that aren’t removed with proper brushing and flossing will begin to smell. Recurring bad breath is often a symptom of oral bacteria getting out of control.

Bloody Saliva-If you see blood when you spit after brushing or flossing, it is time to see your East Greenbush dentist, as this isn’t normal. If you practice good oral hygiene habits and use a soft bristled toothbrush, your gums will not bleed. If they do, it could be a sign that your gum tissue is inflamed, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain.

If you suspect you may be suffering from gingivitis, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Craig Alexander who may recommend prophylactic cleaning or root planing and scaling.

Gingivitis should never be ignored and if you have swollen, sore, red or bleeding gums, or any of the signs above, it’s time to see your East Greenbush dentist, Dr. J. Craig Alexander. Call or click and schedule an appointment today.

The post Gingivitis Can Lead to More Serious Issues appeared first on .