1. Gum Disease Is Prevalent

The rate at which people have gum disease is much higher than most would guess. Researchers have found that nearly half of all adults 30 and older have gum disease (of varying stages). This data is a worrying indication that people do not take good care of their periodontal health.

2. Gum Disease Gets Worse with Time

Gum disease has stages, gingivitis being the first. In this phase, patients may notice bad breath and red, inflamed gums. When it is not addressed, gingivitis can progress to early periodontitis. Once advanced periodontitis strikes, the gums bleed frequently and can excrete pus. Moreover, teeth sensitivity mounts, making it difficult to chew.

3. Gum Disease Is Treatable

A patient’s first and best line of defense against gum disease is regular brushing and flossing. However, those who have already developed the condition have options to improve their periodontal health. In its earliest stages, periodontitis can be addressed with scaling and root planing. This is a popular treatment that eliminates plaque and tartar underneath the gumline while simultaneously smoothing the tooth roots, which allows the gums to reattach to the teeth. In cases of advanced periodontitis, surgery may be necessary to shrink the bacteria-filled pockets in the gums.

4. Gum Disease Can Result in Lost Teeth

People often associate missing teeth with tooth decay and traumatic accidents. However, statistically speaking, gum disease is a far more common cause of tooth loss. Infected gums slowly pull away from the teeth, thereby weakening the bone and tissue that holds teeth sturdily in place. Once loose, these teeth are liable to fall out or necessitate an extraction.

5. Gum Disease Poses Problems for Overall Health

Those who believe gum disease only affects the mouth are mistaken. It can also seep into the bloodstream and raise the risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia and rheumatoid arthritis. Physicians strongly encourage their patients to address any periodontal health issues to better prevent this list of life-threatening conditions.

Have an Expert Dentist Examine Your Periodontal Health

Do you have bleeding gums? Do you want to have a dentist examine and (if need be) treat your gums for better oral health? Let the dentists at Northfield Dental Group help. For an appointment, please call (973) 736-0111.

The post 5 Important Facts to Know about Gum Disease appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.

Common Symptoms

A loose tooth may sometimes become apparent during eating or flossing. The dentists at Northfield Dental Group can assess your symptoms to determine whether gum disease is an underlying cause. Remember, dentists care for not only the health of your teeth but also your gum health!

Other symptoms of gum disease or early-onset periodontal disease (gingivitis) that may coincide with a loosened tooth include:

• Gum redness
• Swollen and/or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain while chewing
• Changes in tooth gaps
• Changes in denture fit

Periodontal or Gum Disease

Teeth grinding or clenching can sometimes cause tooth loosening. Injury from blunt force to the face or mouth are other potential causes. However, advanced gum disease (advanced periodontitis) can be the cause of loose teeth in adults. In advanced periodontitis, bacteria infect the gums and eventually degrades the surrounding healthy tissue and jawbone. Left unchecked, gum disease can cause significant bone deterioration.

Causes and Risk Factors

Brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings and care are critical for gum disease prevention. Without proper, consistent dental hygiene, tartar eventually builds into the spaces between our gums. Early symptoms of poor gum health like redness, bleeding or pain may be present at the onset of gum decay. It is important to note that early-stage periodontal disease may not include pain and can only be diagnosed via appropriate dental care.

Besides poor oral hygiene, some common periodontal disease risk factors include:

• Severe, chronic stress
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Smoking
• Heredity
• Hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, etc.)
• Poorly fit filings or dental bridges
• Immunodeficiency disorders

The great news is that early gum disease treatment can reduce inflammation, kill infection and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth. Our dentists can determine whether gum disease is the cause of your loose tooth and what care you need. The earlier the treatment, the better.

Contact Us

Northfield Dental Group can determine whether gum disease is the cause of your loose tooth and what treatment you may need. Contact us to schedule an appointment for consultation at Northfield Dental Group.

The post Is Gum Disease the Culprit Behind Your Loose Tooth? appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.