Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious issue that impacts your dental health. Family dentists deal with periodontal disease daily, and they do everything possible to spot the signs of gum disease before they develop. They also prevent gum disease before it develops into advanced periodontal disease.

If you are at risk for advanced gum disease, here's what you need to know.

Understand Periodontal Disease

First, it helps to understand what periodontal disease is. This is an infection of the gums. This infection tends to develop along the gum line when bacteria forms on the teeth. Often, the disease develops because of not brushing the teeth (or not brushing them well).

The Signs of Early Gum Disease

The first symptom of periodontal disease is the formation of dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth. If you notice plaque buildup, you might also notice your gums swelling too. Dentists look for signs of inflammation, also called gingivitis.

Another common sign that your gum disease is progressing is that your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth. When you spit, you might notice streaks of blood in the sink. This may accompany swelling.

Receding gums are also a sign that gum disease has spread. You might notice that your gums are shrinking or that your teeth appear somewhat larger. This is often because infections can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.

Prevent Advanced Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease from developing is to brush your teeth regularly. When you do not brush, you allow the bacteria to spread around your mouth. When the bacteria spreads too far, it may develop in places you cannot reach with a toothbrush or floss.

Another way to make sure that your gum disease does not progress is to see your family dentist. When your dentist spots the signs of gum disease in your mouth, they take the steps necessary to prevent the spread of infection. For example, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning to ensure that your gums do not carry infections that could cause your teeth to decay or loosen.

Make a Dental Appointment

Are you ready to get relief from gum disease? Do you want to stop periodontal disease from developing? You can make a change now by making a dental appointment with a local dentist. You can get the treatment you need for your overall health.