Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? If so you might be at risk for periodontal disease, or gum disease. Over half of American adults have some form of gum disease and aren't even aware. That's why trips to the dentist are crucial: general dentistry practice can identify and treat this disease.
Signs include red, puffy, and bleeding gums. Some patients report shooting pains in their mouths, while others have no symptoms at all. Because the gums support the teeth, gum disease can lead to loss of teeth. Even worse, the condition can begin to affect health in other parts of the body. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and other diseases.
Some treatments for gum disease include scaling and root planing, as well as antibiotic treatment. It's important to start treatment right away so that it doesn't spread or cause major discomfort. Your dentist can tell you the proper treatment for you.
Many patients don't get the proper patient education about gum disease, so it's important to go to a general dentistry practice where the dentist will sit with you and explain what you need to do to keep your gums healthy. Be sure to see a dentist who can diagnose and better yet, treat your gum disease so you are not at risk for more serious complications.
Healthy teeth and gums are important not just for a beautiful smile, but to preserve the health of your body as a whole.
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