Gum disease is incredibly common. In fact, approximately half of adults over the age of 30 are suffering from it at one stage or another. Fortunately, when detected and treated early on. Gum disease can typically be easily reversed. However, when left to progress, it can lead to severe oral health issues, including gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss. Here are 4 questions you should ask your dentist about gum disease so you can stay aware.
What Are the Risk Factors of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This infection is caused by the bacteria that are present in plaque and tartar. There are various factors that can increase someone’s risk of gum disease, so it’s worthwhile to figure out which ones affect you. For instance, if you are pregnant or have diabetes, you are at increased risk of developing gum disease, so it’s especially important that you are maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
When left untreated, patients notice different, more dramatic changes in their oral cavities. This includes things like gum recession, deep gum pockets around the teeth, increased sensitivity, and loose teeth. Your teeth can even fall out after a while. This is why early intervention is so important to keep your teeth strong!
How Often Do You Need Follow-Up Visits?
When you undergo gum disease treatment, you will have a customized treatment plan to restore the health of your gum tissue, if possible, and prevent the infection from worsening. During your visit with your dentist, it’s important to learn how often you need to attend follow-up visits. This is to ensure that your mouth stays healthy and prevent the recurrence of the infection.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease from Returning?
The detection and treatment of gum disease is just the beginning. It is important that you take all of the proper steps to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as you can. This includes brushing twice and flossing thoroughly every day. Using a mouthwash is also a great way to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Ask your dentist about the different ways that you can keep your smile free of infection going forward.
Gum disease is extremely common, but also easily preventable. By working with your dentist and taking healthy dental hygiene habits at home, you can keep your smile healthy and happy!
About the Practice
At Weston Dental Specialist Group, we have a team of skilled dentists, including Dr. John Govostes, a skilled periodontist! With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We offer multiple gum disease treatment options to keep periodontal disease under control. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (781) 894-0347.