Nearly half of American adults experience gum disease at some point in their lives. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it can be ignored. In fact, if it’s not caught early enough, it can progress and lead to problems not just in your mouth, but in your heart and your immune system as well. Let’s look at 3 signs that you might have gum disease, and some tips to take care of your oral health to prevent you from needing gum disease therapy in Boca Raton.
Bleeding Gums
Sometimes we joke about dentists saying we’re bleeding because we don’t floss. But bleeding gums are no joke. If you don’t floss regularly, bacteria can build up between the teeth and below the gums, causing you to bleed when you brush. You should never see red on your floss or toothbrush.
Many people ask their dentist if they should just stop flossing altogether since it causes pain. However, you should keep flossing daily. If you stop, plaque can build up and destroy the fibers that attach your teeth to your gums. Your teeth then become loose and could eventually fall out.
In addition to bleeding, your gums might be swollen, red, or tender. This is because the bacterial infection in your gums causes inflammation. When your blood delivers infection-fighting cells to exit your tissue, it leaves more room for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. These bacteria can travel to your heart, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Loose Teeth
Skipping out on regular brushing, flossing, or dental cleanings can make tartar, or hardened plaque, build up in the space underneath the gums. Tarter provides a hard and adhesive surface for more bacteria to stick to, leading to an increased likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
If tartar builds up for long enough, it can make gum disease progress to the point of deterioration of not only the tooth, but the bone structures surrounding the tooth. Your tooth will no longer receive the support it needs, and will become loose.
Sensitive Teeth
Gum disease can make your gums recede away from the tooth, exposing the sensitive root underneath. The exposed root is now more susceptible to decay and infection in the inner part of the tooth. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, in which you experience a sharp pain when consuming things like hot or cold beverages.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important that you contact your dentist in Boca Raton as soon as possible. The best treatment for gum disease is early detection. If it’s caught soon enough, you can have your beautiful healthy smile back in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Steven H. Feit has more than 30 years of experience providing dental to care to patients in the greater Boca Raton, FL area. He is a specialized prosthodontist, meaning he cares about restoring the health of your entire mouth, including your gums. He offers scaling, root planning, and Arestin antibiotic therapy to treat gum disease. If you have any of the signs listed above and are interested in treatment, click here or call (561)-338-7535.