You may have periodontal (gum) disease and not even know it, and as your dentist in Oxford, FL, at Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center we want to help you avoid the serious health implications that can come with untreated gum disease.
We’re not trying to scare you, but … according to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of American adults – or 64.7 million people age 30 and older – have it. And many don’t know it. Also known as gum disease and “the silent killer,” it can lead to serious health conditions if allowed to progress.
That’s why you can trust us – your dental health professionals at Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center – to spot the signs, diagnose the level of disease, and recommend the right treatment to protect your smile and overall health.
What causes gum disease?
After devoting many years to research, scientists and dental professionals have found that different forms of oral bacteria are to blame, including Streptococcus mutans. Gum disease develops when these bacteria accumulate. You know it as plaque, the clear and sticky film that you see and feel when it builds up on and between your teeth and gums.
When you develop gum disease, you probably won’t exhibit any symptoms at first. However, as gum disease worsens over time, you will experience swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is also likely. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include receding gums, loose teeth, and mouth sores.
How serious can gum disease be?
An infection can do a lot more damage than just cause inflamed gums, it can destroy the structures that support your teeth – tendons, ligaments, and bone. Ultimately, tooth loss will occur. Scientific research also supports a strong link between gum disease and other serious systemic medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral cancer, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s.
It’s possible to prevent – and even reverse – gum disease, but we have to do it hand-in-hand. At Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we encourage an easy 3-step preventive measure: brush at least twice a day, floss every day, and come see us, your periodontists in Oxford, FL, for your regular teeth cleaning and checkups!
If you’re showing signs of gum disease, give us a call right away. We will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, plaque level, bone structure, and check for risk factors. If there’s anything you should be doing differently to keep your smile healthy, we’ll let you know exactly what that is.
Then you can smile with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to preserve your smile and stay healthy and beautiful. Call us today!