According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 47.2 percent of Americans over the age of 30 suffer from periodontitis, or gum disease. That means that 64.7 million adults in the U.S. are at risk for complications associated with this condition, a growing epidemic that is highly preventable with good home hygiene and routine visits to the dentist. Knowing the symptoms of gum disease is the first step toward seeking effective treatment and protecting yourself from dangerous oral pathogens present in cases of advanced periodontitis. Learn more about gum disease and periodontal therapy in Colorado Springs, CO on this page.
Gum disease is an infection that occurs in the gum tissue from bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. At first, the early stages of the infection may not seem concerning, but if it’s left untreated, it will destroy the supporting structures of your teeth. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of several health concerns, like cardiovascular disease.
Although gum disease is preventable, more than 80% of American adults have some form it. Not to mention, 30% of the population is genetically predisposed for it. Besides genetics and poor oral hygiene habits, other risk factors for gum disease include smoking, age, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and bad eating habits.
Gum disease doesn’t always have obvious symptoms, which makes getting regular checkups with your general dentist imperative to your continued good oral health. During the early stages of the infection, signs may be subtle, but without treatment they will progress in severity. You may experience:
The only definitive way to diagnose gum disease is to visit Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists in Colorado Springs, CO. During this appointment, our doctors will carefully assess your teeth and gums for any signs of periodontal disease. The most common symptoms of gum disease include:
In addition, if you notice any tenderness or unusual sensitivity to heat or cold when eating or drinking, it is possible that your gums are infected. A consultation with Dr. Haradon or Dr. Lackler will determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and, if an infection is present, we will develop a treatment plan specifically designed with your improved oral health in mind.
Untreated gum disease can lead to a variety of serious complications, including loose or shifting teeth, exposed tooth roots, and even the loss of teeth altogether. When the supporting structures within the jaw begin to deteriorate, the face can begin to take on a sunken appearance and the pain may become debilitating. In addition to these oral health concerns, patients with periodontal disease also face an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, dementia, and certain types of cancer.
Fortunately, periodontal therapy is an effective method of treating gum disease before it worsens. If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the common symptoms of periodontal disease, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule your visit to Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists, LLC today. Our team genuinely looks forward to providing you with the care you need to prevent and treat periodontal disease, thereby improving your overall health as well.
Although bleeding gums may not seem concerning at first, leaving the infection untreated will allow it to wreak havoc on your oral and general health. Not only can you lose your teeth, but you can put your overall wellbeing at risk. Periodontal therapy stops the infection in its tracks to restore a healthy mouth and body.
If you have signs of gum disease, get the care you need from periodontal professionals. Contact our periodontal office today to schedule an appointment.