Gum Disease – The Silent Threat
At NYC Smile Spa, we really care about your oral health. When you visit our office for a routine hygiene examination, we do more than just clean your teeth and inspect for tooth decay. We also inspect the entire mouth for signs of diseases such as gum disease and oral cancer. February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, and we want to share the importance of caring for not only your teeth but your gums as well.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that causes irritation and infection along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. When gum disease is not treated in a timely manner it can progress rapidly until there is significant loss of bone mass, eventually leading to tooth loss. You may be surprised to learn that many adult patients lose teeth to gum disease, not just due to tooth decay.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is known as a silent threat due to the lack of discomfort experienced as with tooth decay and other ailments. Routine examinations are the only true way to diagnose the condition; however, there are warning signs that may indicate you are experiencing an issue. These signs include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Receding gums or gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Sudden change in bite
Treatment for Gum Disease
The entire team is committed to your complete dental health. If gum disease is detected during an exam, we will create a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan based on your needs. Once gum disease is detected, the schedule for your regular professional cleanings will be determined by the health of your gums and bones.
Between appointments, it is very important to maintain a thorough hygiene routine as the best method to combat the development of gum disease. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily. Using dental floss is imperative to remove lingering food and bacteria from between the teeth and along the gumline.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or it has been some time since your last visit to our office, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you in our office located on the Upper East Side.
