Did you know that the health of your teeth can be affected by the health of your gums? Vestavia Hills dentist Dr. Bruce Spink looks for the signs of gum disease during your dental exam.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gum line and the surrounding tissue and bone. Gum disease can affect anyone at any age if the proper steps aren’t taken to take care of your teeth. People with gum disease can sometimes be unaware that they have it because most people are unaware of the signs of gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
There are a number of reasons people develop gum disease. Gum disease can stem from the plaque that has not been properly removed from the teeth. Over time the plaque will harden and become tartar. Once tartar forms on the teeth, only a professional dental cleaning will properly remove the tartar from your teeth. A few things that may cause gum disease are:
- Not flossing or brushing properly
- Genetics
- Medication
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help get you the help you need to properly treat it. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Swollen or red gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Persistent halitosis
- Receding gum line
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
It is important to note that sometimes gum disease produces no warning signs. Scheduling biannual visits with Dr. Bruce Spink at Spink Dentistry for a dental cleaning and comprehensive exam can help keep your oral health on track. If you do have gum disease, a specialized treatment plan will be created to help treat your gum disease. The treatment of gum disease depends on a number of different factors like how serious your form of gum disease is or what other dental issues you may suffer from. Take the time to visit Dr. Bruce Spink at Spink Dentistry in Vestavia Hills, AL to get your teeth properly cleaned and checked for gum disease.