What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, that if not removed by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will create toxins that can damage the gums. When gone untreated, gum disease can affect other parts of your body and may cause you to permanently lose teeth. Because periodontal disease is a severe infection, it is important to seek treatment right away. Schedule an appointment with our office at 30Avenue near Panama City Beach and Destin if you are concerned you have gum disease.
Gum Disease Can Affect the Entire Body
Because gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can spread throughout your body and make other health conditions you may have worse.
Diabetes
When your body is trying to fight gum disease, it messes up your blood sugar levels, making them harder to manage. Diabetes also makes it difficult to fight infections, making gum disease advance more quickly.
Asthma
If you suffer from asthma or intense allergies, inflammation from gum disease can cause asthma attacks.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, your hormones can increase your likelihood of having inflamed gums, which can increase the chance of contracting gum disease. It is important to visit your dentist during your pregnancy to ensure you aren’t at risk or have already contracted gum disease.
The Silent Killer
Because gum disease is virtually pain-free, it is possible you don’t know you have it yet. This is why attending your regular check-ups biannually are crucial to your oral health. During your appointment, the dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums. The sooner a patient is detected with gum disease, the easier it is to treat it.
If you haven’t been seen in the last 6 months or are worried you have gum disease, schedule an appointment with our Inlet Beach office. Our amazing staff will examine your mouth and provide you with clear answers.
Factors that Can Increase the Risk of Developing Gum Disease
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain types of medication (steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
- Dental bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Old Fillings
- Pregnancy
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
While these symptoms could also be a sign of something else, it is important you schedule an appointment with your dentist for immediate attention if you are experiencing any of the following.
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Periodontal Treatment at 30A Smiles
If you have periodontal disease, there are treatment options available, each depending on the severity. Typical treatments include at-home periodontal trays, deep cleaning the root, periodontal surgery, laser gum surgery, and/or dental implants. It is important to not leave gum disease untreated as it will spread and affect the rest of your body and may cause you to permanently lose teeth.
At 30A Smiles our dentists are experienced in identifying gum disease and its treatments. Our entire team is friendly, caring, and professional. You can be confident that you will have a positive experience at our office and receive the treatment you need. Our doctor’s will walk you through the next steps and what treatment would be best for you. Schedule an appointment with our office near Panama City Beach and Destin to be examined for gum disease right away.
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The dentists and team at 30A Smiles in Inlet Beach, Florida, truly provide “Fine Dentistry for All Ages.” This includes superb cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, family dentistry, and so much more to their patients. They even offer dental sedation for patients that need it. Located in 30 Avenue, they serve patients from Destin to Panama City Beach, FL, including from the communities of Panama City, Rosemary Beach, Watersound, Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, Inlet Beach, and Freeport.
