Tuesday, October 22, 2013

How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?


This is a great question that we recently received from a patient. It’s usually easy to tell when you have a cavity, but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without even noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s imperative to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening.
Here are the signs to watch for:                            
• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit
If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment at our office today at (972) 355-2222. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!  Don't ignore the signs!  There is also a correlation between gum disease and your overall systemic health.  Untreated gum disease has been linked to many other diseases.  Some of these are:
Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Strokes, Alzheimer's Disease, Low Birthweight Babies, Respiratory Diseases, just to name a few.  Let us get your mouth health so you can have a healthier life!