While we often focus on protecting and repairing teeth, your gums are also vital to your overall health. Without proper care and maintenance, you have the chance of developing periodontal disease. Are your gums at risk? How do you recognize the warning signs of gum disease?
Are Your Gums at Risk of Developing Gum Disease?
- True or False: Soreness or redness can be a warning sign.
- True or False: Smoking can leave your gums at risk.
- True or False: Certain illnesses are linked to periodontal disease.
- True or False: Without treatment, you risk losing your teeth.
Answer Key
- True. When our gums become inflamed, they often feel sore or appear more red than usual. Patients may also notice they bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing. During the inflammation stage, also known as gingivitis, the problem can be reversed. However, once it progresses to advanced periodontal disease with loss of bone, it is no longer reversible. To avoid gingivitis, you need to brush, floss, and have your teeth cleaned once every six months.
- True. When you smoke, or use tobacco products, the severity of gum disease can worsen. The risk of the advanced stage, of periodontitis, increases. In addition, smoking also increases the risk of developing serious teeth stains, as well as oral, throat, or lung cancer.
- True. Periodontal disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and new research even shows potential links to Alzheimer’s disease.
- True. We briefly mentioned periodontitis above. This is an advanced stage of gum disease, one that can cause the connective tissue between the teeth and gums to dissolve. Soon, the teeth can feel loose. Without treatment, many people may suffer adult tooth loss. If you have gum disease, you need to talk to your dentist about possibly solutions to manage the disease and help protect your smile from periodontitis. If you have any questions about maintaining good gum health, then talk to our team today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY(including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
