Gum disease is a common oral issue among many people. There are a few different causes as well as various treatments that you and your dentist can try so that you have a healthy mouth. One of the things to keep in mind about gum disease is that you need to try to treat it as soon as you notice that it’s present so that the disease doesn’t lead to further issues. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS can help.
Bacteria invade the gums and cause an infection that can sometimes reach the bone if you don’t get proper treatment. There could be impacts with one tooth or multiple teeth depending on how far the infection spreads. Gum disease presents with a few symptoms that you can look for if you suspect that you might have this kind of infection in your mouth. One is red and swollen gums. Your gums can be painful, and you might notice blood from your gums while you brush your teeth.
A good cleaning by your dentist and continued oral care are the best measures against gum disease. Periodontitis is a progressive gum disease with symptoms that include receding gums and pockets that develop between the teeth and the gums, allowing for even more bacteria to enter the gums and the bone. Without proper treatment, gum disease can begin to destroy the tissues and the bones in your mouth and can cause teeth to break or teeth to become loose.
As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you’ll begin to notice that your breath has a strong odor and that your gums are significantly swollen. You might notice that there is a significant amount of pain while you’re eating or while you’re brushing your teeth. There are a few causes of gum disease that include not maintaining proper oral care and not eating healthy foods. Smoking can also be a causal factor. If you are a diabetic, then you’ll usually notice that you have more issues with gum disease. If you are diagnosed with this type of infection, you need to seek treatment from your dentist in the form of a thorough cleaning and antibiotics to get rid of the infection.
To learn more about gum disease, we warmly encourage you to make an appointment with the office of Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS! At our convenient location in Asheville, NC, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this condition in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
