What To Know About Gum Disease
At Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, we take gum health very seriously. Unfortunately, when oral health is not a priority, problems in the mouth can arise. One problem that affects almost half of American adults by the age of 30 is gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
As the name suggests, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the gums. It consists of a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Our team is trained in detecting gum disease during your routine examinations. When gum disease is left untreated, it will continue to progress and can cause serious complications such as tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone.
Gum disease is often caused by a lack of oral hygiene. It is important that you diligently clean your teeth every day. This includes brushing for two minutes a minimum of twice daily, as well as using dental floss every day. Cleaning your teeth properly doesn’t allow plaque and bacteria to build up between the teeth and along the gumline.
Signs of Gum Disease
Unlike other problems with your oral health, such as dental decay, gum disease does not always have obvious signs that would indicate you are experiencing an issue that needs attention. As mentioned above, our team is trained in detecting this common problem, so this is one of the reasons we are extremely passionate about routine oral hygiene examinations. Between appointments, there are certain indicators and warnings that can mean you may possibly be experiencing an issue. These signs can include:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Continuous bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
If you are located in Bozeman, MT or the surrounding area and have questions about gum disease or are in need of an appointment, please contact our office today. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health!
