Have you noticed your gums becoming more red over time? This is just one sign of the start of gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. This is a fairly pain-free oral health disease that can happen without you even realizing it. It leads to bleeding gums, gum recession, mushy gums and tooth loss. However, many patients don’t realize they have it until the later stages. Find out what signs to look for to detect gum disease and how you can avoiding it!

Gum Disease – What is It?

One of the most talked about oral health challenges in our country is gum disease. Approximately 64 million American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. The problem with gum disease is that when it starts as gingivitis, the symptoms seem mild and not that threatening. However, overtime, it slowly progresses to tooth-threatening gum disease (also known as periodontitis).

First Signs of Gum Disease

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists the following common first signs of gum disease:

• Bad breath that won’t go away.
• Red or swollen gums.
• Tender or bleeding gums.
• Painful chewing.
• Loose teeth.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth.

At the first sign of these symptoms, contact Dr. Bockrath so you can take immediate action against the disease with an in-office dental check-up.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Gum Disease?

In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Periodontitis can not only lead to tooth loss, but it’s also a risk factor for heart and lung diseases.

What You Can Do to Prevent Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is through a dedicated, daily oral hygiene routine with brushing, flossing and mouthwash.  To this, it is important to add regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups. Gum disease treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases may require pral surgery.

Treating Gum Disease in the Future

The bacteria in our mouths exist as a complex, multi-layered community termed oral biofilm. Scientists are in the process of studying the dynamics of these bacterial communities. “This research may give dentists the tools to target their treatment specifically to the bacteria that trigger periodontal disease,” said the National Institutes of Health.

Patients with advanced periodontal disease, may soon find benefits from oral regeneration. Scientists believe that in the future they will be able to help dentists regenerate damaged or lost bone and restore the tooth support to its natural state.

Oral bacteria from chronic periodontal infections can pass into the circulatory system add increase your risk for diseases of the heart and other organs. A trip to Mountain Aire Dentistry  may not only offer you oral health benefits, but also help reduce your chances of developing related systemic conditions, said the National Institutes of Health.

Call for a Dental Exam and Evaluation

Establishing great oral health starts with healthy gums and a healthy oral biome. During a visit to our office, we can give your specific instructions on areas that you may need to improve on. Dr. Chris Bockrath is pleased to provide comprehensive treatments for all your dental needs and goals. Achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that helps you feel confident. Call Mountain Aire Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Our oral hygiene tips can help you to have better oral health without a too much effort. Come see us at our office today to examine your teeth and gums and to make sure all is well. Keep up on good oral health habits for healthier teeth. To receive more tips for good habits that lead to healthier teeth and gums, call our office today at (303) 731-7755.