Sciota, Pennsylvania
The risk of gum disease in America is real – almost equivalent to flipping a coin. The latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that approximately 40% of adults in the United States over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease. As we get older, the risk increases, with roughly 60% of senior citizens (those 65 or older) developing periodontitis – the advanced stage of gum disease.
You may have gum disease and just chalk its symptoms up to other issues. You may be living with gum disease knowingly, and not getting it treated. Ignoring gum disease can pose a great risk to your health in many ways. As with many health concerns, prevention is your best defense. That is why, today on the blog, your dentists in Sciota want to provide some facts on gum disease and what you can do to lower your risk.
Some important information on gum disease
It’s important to note that if gum disease is not detected in its initial stage, which is known as gingivitis, then the damage it does is irreversible. If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, however, then you face new problems and new symptoms. Periodontitis also does permanent damage to your teeth and mouth.
Symptoms of gingivitis may include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Bad breath
- Having a foul taste in your mouth
- Bleeding from the gums, especially when you brush and floss your teeth
If you notice any of these issues, it is not too late to seek treatment. Make an appointment as soon as possible with a dentist who provides periodontal treatment.
The risks of advanced gum disease
If your gum disease reaches the stage of periodontitis, your gums recede and pockets of infected bacteria form at the base of your teeth. These pockets grow and eventually spread, creating new pockets and multiplying the potential damage.
Without treatment, a person with periodontitis can expect to experience any combination of the following:
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Receding gums
- Deterioration of the supporting bone structure
Living with untreated gum disease, especially in its advanced stage, means you are more susceptible to several other infections and ailments, some of which can be life-threatening. The list includes heart attack, diabetes, and stroke – even a higher likelihood of developing anxiety and depression.
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
A poor oral care routine is the main cause of gum disease in the U.S. You have to brush twice a day. You need to floss. The incorporation of an antibacterial oral rinse or mouthwash can help. Each of these at-home habits will only do so much unless you go to the dentist twice a year.
Visiting your dentist once every six months isn’t just a luxury. It’s a crucial part of a regimen of preventive care. When you visit your dentist in Sciota for a checkup, you will undergo a professional dental cleaning. We also evaluate your teeth and mouth, keeping a constantly updated record of the condition of your teeth and gums. We clean your teeth to completely remove plaque and tartar—which is impossible to do through normal brushing and flossing.
There are other risk factors that can increase your likelihood of gum disease.
These include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or adolescence
- A pre-existing condition such as diabetes
- Poor nutrition
- Using certain medications
- Living with an auto-immune condition
Treating gum disease in Sciota, Pennsylvania
Chestnuthill Dental offers treatment for gum disease through repetitive therapy. This combines two different procedures. Scaling removes any build-up of plaque and harmful bacteria, both above and below your gum line. The second part, root planing, smooths out the roots of your teeth to make it more difficult for sticky dental plaque to adhere to teeth in the future.
To find out more about our program of periodontal treatment, schedule an appointment today at Chestnuthill Dental. Just complete our online appointment form or call our office at (570) 402-7001.
