When people talk about good overall health, teeth and gums are often not the first thing they think about. But healthy teeth and gums are an important part of a person’s overall health and wellbeing.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is exactly what the name implies. It is a disease that develops in the gums and surrounding tissues that can lead to serious infection, and eventually tooth loss. Studies are also finding more and more linkages between gum disease and life-threatening illnesses like cardiovascular disease, lung and kidney disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes.
Can gum disease be treated?
The good news is that gum disease can be treated and even reversed, if it’s caught in its early stages.
The best way to catch early-stage gum disease before it develops into periodontitis (its more serious form) is to keep up to date with your regular dental visits. You should be visiting your dentist in South Oakville about every six months. These visits give your dentist and team the opportunity to keep an eye on your oral health and identify any problems before they become more advanced and require more invasive and expensive treatments, or before they become a threat to your ability to keep your natural teeth, or your life.
In its early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. At this point, you may notice some redness and puffiness in the gums, and you’ll likely see traces of blood when you’re brushing or flossing. Gingivitis can be easily treated through the establishment of a consistent, thorough oral care routine that includes brushing twice every day, flossing daily, and visiting your family dentist twice a year.
If left untreated, gingivitis will usually develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the gums will usually become very red and swollen, and you may notice gaps forming between the teeth and gums.
Developing periodontitis means there is a serious infection in the gums, and this infection can spread to other areas of the body, potentially causing or advancing any of the life-threatening illnesses mentioned above.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
There are many tell-tale signs and symptoms of gingivitis, including:
• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Traces of blood when you brush or floss
• Receding gums
• Tender gums
If you are concerned that you may have gingivitis or periodontitis, or if it’s been a while since you visited your family dentist, it’s time to make an appointment with Trafalgar Village Dental in Oakville. Call our team today and we’ll schedule some time to assess your oral health, identify any problems, and work with you to develop a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.