Is something bothering you in your mouth and you just can’t figure out what it is? It’s important to look at your symptoms. If they include bad breath, blood when you floss or brush your teeth, sensitive teeth, or tender gums, you might have gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition that leads to inflammation and infection in the soft tissue of the gums. While common and preventable, gum disease has the potential to cause serious issues in the mouth, including the destruction of the jawbone and tooth loss. While these occur infrequently, they are absolutely possible if the condition is ignored and remains untreated.
How to Recognize Gum Disease
One of the main causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you are a patient who doesn’t brush properly twice a day, floss regularly, or visit the dentist for an examination and cleaning every six months, there is a good chance that you may develop gum disease. Known as a silent disease, it is very difficult to recognize on your own, as it typically doesn’t come with crippling discomfort like a decayed tooth does. If, between visits to our office, you notice any of these symptoms, we highly suggest mentioning it at your next visit or scheduling an appointment:
- Chronic bad breath
- Blood in the sink or on your toothbrush after cleaning your teeth
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Gums receding or pulling away from the teeth
Teens are Not Immune
It is important to note that adults are not the only patients who are susceptible to gum disease, teens can suffer as well. Often, their lifestyle and food choices of soda, candy, and snacks make their mouths a breeding ground for bacteria. Not many teens take the extra time to brush their teeth between meals or snacks. Traditional metal braces and certain medical conditions make the chances of developing gum disease at a younger age more likely.
The good news is that we can treat and prevent gum disease in our office. We understand that it can be nerve wracking to make a dental appointment at this time, but we urge you not to delay any treatment. Issues like gum disease thrive when your oral health is not made a priority. We have taken numerous safety precautions to ensure your safety when you are in our office.
If you feel you may be suffering from gum disease or have not visited our office located in Washington, DC for a cleaning in the past six months, we encourage you to make an appointment today.