85% of U.S. adults experience some form of gum disease. From the earliest stages of gingivitis to the more advanced stages of periodontitis gum disease in San Diego is one of the most prevalent diseases in our society. Millions of Americans have gum disease, and unfortunately, the odds are you have it, too; you just don’t know it.
Here’s what you need to know about gum disease and what you can do about it.
Gum Disease in San Diego: The Silent Killer
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth. It occurs when germs infect the gum tissues around the teeth, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Gum disease has been linked to major health problems including heart disease, strokes, preterm and stillborn births, as well as certain cancers. It is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two stages gum disease. Here’s the difference between them.
Gingivitis: A less severe form of gum disease, gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Just like lime deposits on a shower drain, the hardened calculus is difficult to remove. The biofilm will continue to grow and infect your gums, sometimes causing redness and bleeding you may or may not see.
Periodontitis: Gingivitis, if left untreated, will progress to periodontitis. With periodontitis, calculus deposits expand on the surface of your teeth, edging down below your gum line. This condition causes your gums to separate slightly from the teeth and supporting bone, forming periodontal pockets. It creates swelling, bleeding, pain while chewing, teeth misalignment and looseness. Some patients also have sores inside the mouth, persistent bad breath, and sensitive teeth. A discharge of puss from the gums, called pyorrhea, is another a symptom of periodontitis.
How can you avoid getting gum disease in San Diego?
Prevention is always the least painful and least expensive path to good health. If there are no infections, your dentist or hygienist will suggest a plan that includes regular brushing, flossing and dental hygiene visits as your best bet for avoiding dental infections.
It is critical that you don’t skip your regular cleanings every six months. Make sure your dentist checks for the signs of gum diseases to help catch the disease in early stages. Dental professionals will do this by inserting a small probe between your gum line and tooth to identify pockets. During the process, they may call out numbers – these numbers correspond to pocket depths. In this case, lower numbers are definitely better.
Take care of your gums to take care of your health.
If you are one of the 85% of adults who suffer from gum disease, don’t risk your oral and overall health by avoiding treatment of your mouth.
Take control of your health – and your life – by treating gum disease in San Diego today, before you lose teeth tomorrow. Call our office today to schedule an appointment so we can determine if you have any gum disease so we can stop its progression.
Joe Webster is a freelance writer and editor living in Illinois. He studied creative writing at the University of Missouri and is known for his vibrant stories and unique take on topics. Joe has been writing and editing for over six years and loves exploring different cultures and languages. He is passionate about making meaningful connections with readers, enabling them to grow through his writing.
