Could I Really Have Gum Disease And Not Know It?!
When was the last time you visited our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning? If it has been longer than three months, we recommend you visit us soon. Aside from cleaning your teeth and inspecting for gum disease, we also look for other harmful dental conditions that can affect not only the state of your teeth and mouth, but your overall health as well. One of these diseases affects approximately half of American adults. Interested in learning if you possibly have this common disease? Read on to learn more.
What is Gum Disease?
During routine examinations, we inspect for a number of issues related to oral health. One in particular that can be quite serious is gum disease. The mouth always contains good bacteria and harmful bacteria. Gum disease occurs when the harmful bacteria overgrow and create an infection in the gums. It can lead to serious issues with not only your oral health, but your overall health as well.
Signs of Gum Disease
The best way to combat gum disease is to ensure that the mouth remains extremely clean. This is one of the reasons we are so passionate about patients maintaining an oral hygiene routine. Flossing daily and brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps gums remain healthy and helps keep the harmful bacteria from overpowering the mouth. Unlike tooth decay, gum disease does not have overt warning signs, such as extreme discomfort. It is important to monitor changes with your oral health and contact us if you notice any signs such as:
- Signs of blood when brushing or flossing
- Tender, red or swollen gums
- Unexplained bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Treatments to Improve Gum Disease
When diagnosed in a timely fashion, there are a number of treatments we recommend to help patients improve their oral health and the state of their gums. One popular treatment that we recommend is Perio Protect. This treatment is completed in the comfort of your own home and uses a hydrogen peroxide gel to improve the health of the gums. One of the bonuses of this treatment is it also helps to whiten your teeth. We may also recommend a treatment such as:
If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, be sure to contact our office located in San Francisco, CA to schedule an appointment. We also recommend scheduling a routine hygiene examination if it has been longer than three months since your last visit. Routine examinations ensure that you are not in need of additional treatments. We look forward to seeing you soon!
