What To Know About Gum Disease
We are passionate about our patients’ oral health and want to share information that can help our patients have the best oral health possible. We encourage our patients to visit our office for routine dental care, not only to thoroughly clean their teeth but also to check for serious oral health issues such as gum disease. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults and is a condition in which the gums become infected.
Signs of Gum Disease
Unfortunately, gum disease does not have many warning signs. It is important to stay up to date with your oral hygiene examinations in our office. During these visits, we check your teeth thoroughly. Between appointments, be sure to check 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
What Causes Gum Disease?
One of the most common causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. It is important that you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice per day. Dental floss should also be used daily. When teeth are not cleaned properly, it increases the amount of harmful bacteria that is left on the surface and between the teeth. When there is a buildup of bacteria, plaque begins to form. When there is an overabundance of plaque along the gumline, gum disease can develop.
Aside from patients who do not clean their teeth properly, other individuals who have an increased risk of developing gum disease include smokers, those with a family history of the disease, patients with certain auto-immune diseases, and patients with overcrowded and crooked teeth. If we detect gum disease, we will create a specialized treatment plan to remedy the problem. It is important to receive treatment as soon as possible. Your condition will continue to worsen, leading to serious complications with your oral health.
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, which is located in Watsonville, CA. We look forward to seeing you soon!