Gum Disease
East Wenatchee, WA
 There are a few conditions out there that can have a dramatically negative affect on your oral health. When we say dramatic, we mean something that can cause tooth loss on a large scale. Gum disease is just such a condition. A hard-hitting and dangerous threat to your teeth and the rest of your mouth, gum disease can strike without you even realizing it. At Johnson Family Dental, we make it our business to keep your informed and educated on all the issues that affect your mouth and will do everything in our power to give you the healthy mouth that you deserve!
Warning Signs That May Signal Gum Disease
Interestingly and alarmingly, gum disease can take root in your mouth without your knowledge. It doesn’t typically cause discomfort so it often goes undetected by patients. Here are some warning signs that gum disease may be creeping in on you:
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Gums that are easy to bleed |
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Gums that pull away from the teeth easily |
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Intense bad breath |
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Red, swollen, tender gums |
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Teeth that feel loose |
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A change in bite |
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A change in the way dentures fit |
There are plenty of factors that can put you at risk for gum disease, including a genetic predisposition to it. If you know that your parents suffer from some form of gum disease you should be vigilant and watch your gums for the signs listed above. Further, things like smoking, pregnancy, and diabetes put you at a much greater risk for gum disease.
Gingivitus – Early Stage Gum Disease
Gum disease does have a silver lining. If you find out that you have early stage gum disease (AKA gingivitis) you can take steps to get rid of it and eventually succeed! That’s a big deal. You can’t lose an adult tooth and then take care of it and have a new one grow back! So, the key to gum disease is catching it early.
The best way to ensure that any early signs of gingivitis are caught is to make sure never to miss any dental cleanings or examinations. You should be coming to see us at least twice a year for routine checkups. During these checkups we can take a look at your mouth and alert you to any issues we find.
Signs of gingivitis are red and swollen gums that bleed easily. If you notice these symptoms, first call us at (509) 886-8833 to schedule an appointment. After that, make sure you are doing everything in your power to increase your oral health. This means brushing twice a day (after breakfast and before bed) and flossing at least once. Brush with light pressure. When you can’t brush and floss you can always rinse your mouth out with water. This does a great job of washing away the bacteria that causes gingivitis.
Periodontitis – Late Stage Gum Disease
Once gum disease reaches a late stage, like periodontitis, you can expect serious oral health issues to arise often. Once you have late stage gum disease, you are stuck with it for life. This issue can cause tooth loss, soft tissue loss, and even bone loss in the jaw. Tooth loss is a serious issue and can, just by itself, lead to further tooth loss.
Aggressive periodontitis is an incredibly destructive disease and can wreak havoc on more than just your oral health. Periodontitis is commonly linked to various forms of heart disease and diabetes. Some studies suggest that stroke can be brought on by this illness.
When affected by periodontitis, it is important that you not only take good care of your teeth and gums, but that you come in to be seen by us frequently. We offer deep oral cleanings that can help to keep the more unpleasant effects of gum disease at bay, and help you to keep the teeth you have for as long as possible.
Remember, if you experience bleeding or swollen gums for more than a week, call us to setup and appointment as this could be the sign of a more serious issue.
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