Why Treating Gum Disease Immediately Can Save Your Teeth—and Your Life

Gum disease is almost always uncomfortable, but instead of scheduling a dental examination, far too many Americans try to treat the symptoms alone. Although responsible oral hygiene can prevent the disease from progressing, even mild gum disease requires a dental appointment to control and reverse the symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than half of American adults have some form of gum disease. In 38.5 percent of those cases, the severity has progressed passed mild gingivitis. Clearly, even those who brush and floss regularly can fall victim to oral infection, but Lakefront Family Dentistry can help.

If you notice swelling or bleeding gums, contact Dr. Derek Hauser. He is an award-winning family dentist that treats patients of all ages in Riverside County. To schedule a visit, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Signs You Should See a Gum Disease Dentist

Gum disease might not show any signs until advanced stages. If you do identify symptoms, don’t delay to seek treatment. Here are some common signs of gum disease:

• Swollen, tender or red gums
• Toothaches
• Bleeding while eating, flossing or brushing
• Gums that are receding away from teeth
• Separating or loose teeth
• Pus on teeth and gums
• Mouth sores
• Bad breath that persists
• Change in bite
• Partial dentures don’t fit well

Leaving gum disease untreated can lead to tooth loss. There are some remedies to missing teeth, such as dental implants, bridges and dentures, but it’s always best to prevent the problem before it arises.

Here are some ways to avoid gum infections…

Regularly Brush Your Teeth

Try to brush at least twice each day and after meals. Brush along the gum-line. This will remove plaque and debris that becomes trapped between gums and teeth. Make sure you brush your tongue, too.

Try to Floss at Least Once Daily

Flossing removes plaque and particles along the gums and between teeth. These are areas that your brush might not be able to reach.

Gargle Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help remove food particles and reduce plaque that you missed while flossing and brushing.

Visit Your Family Dentist at Least Twice Each Year

Visit your family dentist for routine cleanings and dental examinations. This can help identify an infection early, which makes treating gum disease much easier.

Assess Your Risk for Periodontal Disease

Certain risk factors, such as smoking, genetics and diet, can affect your chances of contracting periodontitis. If you believe that you are at a high risk, tell your dentist.

There are other risk factors, such as taking certain medications. These include anti-depressants, heart medicines and oral contraceptives. These can negatively affect oral health. If you start to notice any hygienic changes, inform your dentist.

Stress also is linked to oral pains and disease. Canker sores, for example, are believed to result from stress. Research suggests that it also increases the risk of periodontal disease because it makes it harder for the immune system to fight infection.

Older patients tend to have a higher risk of contracting periodontitis. The CDC states that among Americans who are 65 or older, 70 percent have periodontitis. This means that more than one in three patients over 65 need treatment to stop or reverse gum disease.

Gum disease has been linked to dementia, stroke and certain heart problems. This makes since because bleeding is an effect of oral infection, giving bacteria access to the bloodstream. This research suggests that responsible oral care not only can prevent tooth loss, but it also can keep you mentally sharp and, ultimately, save your life.

Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease at Lakefront Family Dentistry

Lakefront Family Dentistry carries the latest, cutting-edge dental equipment to provide superior patient care. The recent addition of the ORTHOPHOS XG 3D digital-imaging system allows us to capture an image of the patient’s entire mouth. This reduces radiation exposure, which means safer treatments.

If you need a dentist for treating gum disease, there’s no better option than Dr. Hauser. He actually speaks at dental conferences around the nation, discussing new technology and techniques.

To schedule an appointment with a gum disease dentist, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, at Lakefront Family Dentistry