Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects millions of adults every year. Not only is it one of the main causes of tooth loss, but it can be a breeding ground for infection as well. The good news is that gum disease can be successfully treated if caught in its early stages. By paying attention to the warning signs of gum disease, you may be able to catch this disease before it worsens. Be sure to notify your dentists in New Rochelle NY when you first notice any of the following symptoms.
Bleeding of the gums is one of the first signs of periodontal disease. Since this disease is caused by excessive plaque build-up around the gum line, the gums will often appear swollen, red, and tender. They may express pus when pushed with your finger. As time goes on, your gum line will begin to recede, or pull away from the base line of your teeth. If significant receding has occurred, you may actually see some of the nerve tissue lying below the tooth. When this happens, you teeth will become ultra-sensitive to extreme temperatures, and brushing.
Many people experiencing gum disease will have chronic bad breath. This is caused by the bacteria which form within the plaque buildup around the tooth. Rinsing your mouth with a good anti-plaque mouthwash every night is a great way to combat the bad taste in your mouth. It will also rinse away any existing bacteria, helping to prevent the progression of the disease.
If your gum disease has advanced, many dentists New Rochelle NY will prescribe an oral antibiotic to kill the existing bacteria. This will prevent further infection and clear up any existing infection that has already occurred.
Preventing gum disease is simple. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a plaque fighting toothpaste is the first step. This will help to remove the plaque that has built up along your gum line each day. Be sure to floss your teeth whenever you brush. This will remove the food and plaque that is hidden between your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it will harden to form tarter. If you have tarter buildup on your teeth, you must visit qualified dentists in New Rochelle NY to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, as well as many other serious conditions. Be sure to take good care of your teeth in order to save yourself from a host of problems later on down the road.
