One devastating oral health disease known as periodontal disease in its advanced stages cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is caused by an infection of the gums due to bad oral hygiene, medicines, bad habits, and a variety other risks you could be exposed to. One of the key ways to prevent gum disease is to stop it in its early stages.
In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is still serious, but with proper care, you can reverse the effects and restore your smile. One sign to look for is actual damage to your gums. Do they appear to be red or swollen? Do they feel extra sensitive or sore compared to previous times in your life?
Another common sign is bleeding. Although gums may bleed if you have not cleaned them properly in a while, bleeding frequently while brushing and flossing is not normal and could be a sign of gum disease. The next time you are going through your oral hygiene daily routine of brushing and flossing, check for any spotting of blood on your toothbrush or dental floss.
Common risk factors for gum disease include genetics, medications, bad habits such as smoking, hormonal changes, and age. If you think you may have signs of gum disease, contact your dentist at Central Oregon Dental Center.
Come in and see for yourself what treatment options are available to treat periodontal disease. To schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Bend, Oregon, call us at 541-389-0300 and a member of our team will gladly assist you. Dr. Michael Hall and our entire team look forward to helping you in any way we can!