July 31, 2018 | Dental Health,
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth, that can lead to infection and bone loss if left untreated. Patients tend to focus more on their teeth than their gums when keeping up with their oral health, so the early stages of gum disease can be easy to overlook. Unfortunately, failure to spot gum disease early on can have dire consequences.
Who Is at Risk?
Everyone is at risk for gum disease without proper at-home preventive oral care and biannual professional cleanings and exams. However, some people have an increased risk. For example, smokers are two times more likely to get gum disease than non-smokers. Almost 70% of pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis due to hormone changes and increased consumption of simple carbohydrates and starches. Furthermore, 95% of people with diabetes experience gum disease at some point.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be mild, from the first stage of gum inflammation called gingivitis, to more severe gum disease and infection that can be either chronic, aggressive, or necrotizing periodontitis.
How Can I Spot Gum Disease?
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the patient and the severity of their gum disease. If you experience any of the following, notify our office immediately:
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
It is important to keep up with your daily oral hygiene to avoid problems with gum disease. Here are some ways you can help prevent gum disease:
Get Your Oral Health Back on Track!
If you think that you may be experiencing any form of gum disease, please take the right steps to prevent it from getting any worse. The first step is to come see us at Dublin Corners Dental. Contact our team to schedule your appointment today.