Nearly half 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease and 70.1% of adults 65 years and older making it one of the most common diseases in America. Yet, most of us don’t know much about gum disease.
Gum Disease: The (NOT so Fun) Facts Dentist in Conifer, Gentle Dentist in Conifer
- Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth infecting tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a white sticky film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Plaque can be brushed and flossed off the teeth but tarter cannot, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease process.
- Gum disease is silent. You may have gum disease and don’t even know it because early symptoms are easy to miss. That’s why it is called a “silent” disease. Only when the disease reaches advanced levels do you notice a change to the mouth and gums. If you wait until you see or feel symptoms, you are increasing your risk of serious oral health problems.
- Gum disease doesn’t discriminate, anyone can get it. A common misconception is that gum disease is something that only afflicts the senior population. The truth is anyone — even children — can get gum disease. Even pets get gum disease. That’s why it’s so important for people of all ages to get regular dental checkups every six months to make sure your oral health is on the up and up.
- Gum disease is contagious. Bacteria causing gum disease can be shared and unwittingly passed on to your loved ones through the simple acts of sharing food and drinks or kissing. Even the act of double dipping in a shared bowl is a major offender in spreading gum disease. Be aware of you and your family’s habits when it comes to being exposed to gum disease.
- Bleeding is not normal. You may think that spitting out a few spots of blood after brushing and flossing is a normal occurrence, it isn’t. Your gums should not be bleeding — period. If you’ve noticed that “pink in the sink” is a routine part of your brushing, you need to see your dental professional quickly.
- Chronic bad breath is a sign of gum disease. If you notice that your breath seems less-than-fresh on a recurring basis even though you are brushing like normal, it can indicate that you have gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection, which puts off an unpleasant odor. Mints can cover the problem but it’s not a solution.
- Gum disease is linked to other serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and more. Gum Disease can be a contributing factor to other ailments in the body. Gum disease can affect your immune system and make it harder to heal after an injury or sickness.
- Dental implants can get gum disease too. Implants fail due to infection, or peri-implant disease. The tissue around implants can become infected. Infection can set in when bacteria is present any time post-surgery without proper oral hygiene care at home and without routine dental cleanings.
The Healthy Smiles Solution!
Gum disease is preventable with regular visits to your dental hygienist but when you miss an appointment or go too long in between cleanings the bacteria can cause inflammation and infection quickly, even if you have been treated for gum disease the infection can come back. Seeing your hygienist at least 2 times a year and sometimes more can be the best way to stop gum disease before it even begins.
Book Your Appointment Now! |
 | Chrisy is a dedicated, energetic, detailed-oriented Registered Dental Hygienist with 19 years of experience providing gentle and thorough dental treatment. Focused on exceptional patient comfort and care in oral hygiene treatment and emphasis on individualized preventative care management. Healthy Smiles Dental Hygiene |
Share the Love - Be sure you tell them Macaroni Kid sent you... and tell all your friends!
Macaroni Kid Evergreen, Bailey, Conifer is a free local calendar, weekly e-newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Foothills. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused local businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. We proudly serve families in Evergreen, Bailey, Conifer, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Morrison and all the places in between!
Quick links to learn more about our community:
 |  |  | ||
 |  |  |
