Gum disease is common among adults in the United States. It is caused by plaque, which is a film that is continuously building up on your teeth. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Sometimes there are no symptoms associated with the condition, so regular visits to the dentist are an important way to catch gum disease in its early stages.
What Is Gum Disease?
Also called periodontal disease, this condition occurs when the gum tissue supporting your teeth becomes inflamed and infected. Potential signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Tender, swollen gums
- Red or deep purple gums
- Teeth that appear long in length because the gums have receded
- Chronic bad breath
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may bleed easily and they may look redder than normal. This stage is generally easier to treat. When you visit our dentists, they inform you of the options and describe an effective at-home brushing and flossing routine that will help you prevent the condition from worsening.
Gum Disease Treatment at Aspenwood Dental
First and foremost, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists if you are concerned about gum disease. We will discuss any symptoms you are experiencing, and examine your teeth and gums. Once we assess your oral health, our experienced dentists can recommend those treatments that will improve it.
We always present all of your options. Treatments are individualized to each person because each person who visits us is unique.
If gum disease is present, treatment may involve one or more of the following:
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Gum grafting
Rely on our dentists for clear answers about your options. We know dental problems are not only inconvenient, they can be uncomfortable and painful as well. Our dentists are here to help you restore comfort, oral health and a smile you are proud to share.
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Causes
You may have a genetic predisposition to gum disease, and treatment will reverse the condition and restore healthy gums. Other contributing factors include:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Smoking and/or chewing tobacco
- Crooked teeth
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Since gum disease is caused by plaque and the bacteria it contains, good dental hygiene is essential to preventing it. Daily brushing and flossing removes the buildup of plaque on your teeth. If you have crowded teeth that are difficult to clean properly, have a physical condition that makes it difficult to brush and floss, or even if you have gotten a little bit lax with your daily oral hygiene routine, then that can increase the odds of developing gum problems. Our dentists are happy to discuss all of these factors with you, and provide you with tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Schedule Your Exam
We provide a consultation and we can arrange a routine checkup at our Aurora dental practice so that you can find out if you are experiencing gum disease or another dental issue. To arrange your appointment, please call Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center at 303-751-3321. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your goals.
For decades, our dentists have served all of Denver, Centennial and the surrounding areas.