It affects 4 in 5 people, according to the American Dental Hygienists Association. Your risk of getting it increases as you get older, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
What is it? It’s gum disease, and our team at at the office of Ron L. Receveur, DDS wants to help you treat it and prevent it. If you have already learned the hard way about the tooth loss, we can help restore your smile with dental Implants, too.
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. With that in mind, we are taking some time to discuss factors that could increase your risk of gum disease.
Just remember, you can call (812) 945-7645 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Whether you need treatment or want to prevent gum disease, our dentists in New Albany, IN are here for you.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
If you have gums, then you have the potential to get gum disease. For this reason, it’s a good idea for everyone to know the symptoms.
Gum disease is the result of an infection caused by bacteria that are already in your mouth. Keeping those bacteria under control with daily brushing and flossing and with routine dental cleanings can go a long way toward preventing gum disease.
Healthy gums should look pink in color, and they should feel firm to the touch. On the other hand, infected gums could have these symptoms:
▪︎ Gums that bleed during and after brush and flossing
▪︎ Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
▪︎ Gums that are pulling away (receding) from your teeth
▪︎ Bad breath that doesn’t go away
▪︎ Teeth that feel loose or shift positions
One or more of these symptoms is a reason to make an appointment with our dentists in New Albany, IN. Call (812) 945-7645 to plan your visit.
What Factors Increase Your Risk Of Gum Disease?
We have already noted that gum disease is common throughout the United States. Even so, you may have a higher risk of developing severe gum disease if you have any of the risk factors listed below. Some of these are things you can control, and others factors aren’t anything you can change.
Either way, these are all reasons you should pay close attention to your gum health.
▶︎ Age — As you get older, your odds of developing gum disease increase as well. According to statistics from the National Institutes of Health, Americans 65 years and older are more than twice as likely to have severe periodontal disease as adults under 65 years old.
▶︎ Being Female — To be more specific, women have an increased risk of gum disease during times of hormonal changes. This includes puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
▶︎ Family History — As with many diseases, genetics can play a role in how vulnerable you may be to a particular infection. If you know that gum disease is a recurring issue in your family, you should pay close attention to the health of your gums.
▶︎ Grinding Your Teeth — Clenching your teeth or grinding them together puts added stress on your gums as well. This can leave your gum tissue weaker and more susceptible to infection. Our dental professionals can examine your teeth for signs of clenching and grinding during your next visit to our New Albany, IN, dentist office.
▶︎ Medications — You already know that most medications can have side effects. Talk to your pharmacist about those side effects. Also, let our dentists know if you are taking any medications.
▶︎ Other Diseases — Some diseases can affect your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. Other diseases can increase your risk of dry mouth, which also makes it more likely that you will develop gum disease. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are just a few examples of conditions that can have consequences on your oral health as well.
▶︎ Poor Oral Care — This may go without saying, but we are going to say it anyway. You need to brush your teeth twice a day. You need to floss between your teeth and gums daily. And you need a professional dental cleaning a few times each year. Call (812) 945-7645 today if you have not yet scheduled your next cleaning.
▶︎ Tobacco Use — Tobacco of any kind (cigarettes, chew, dip, etc.) is bad for your oral health. The NIH statistics show that the odds of a tobacco user having severe gum disease are roughly 2.5 times higher than a non-tobacco user.
If you are suffering from the effects of gum disease, please make an appointment with one of our dentists in New Albany, IN, as soon as possible. Early treatment can help you avoid long-term consequences, including possible tooth loss.
Call (812) 945-7645 or fill out our online contact form to treat or the prevent periodontal disease.