Many patients spend a lot of time focusing on the health of their teeth—are they experiencing any sensitivity? Any potential cavities? Any cracks or chips? However, gum health is an equally important part of oral health. Read on to learn a little more about how we screen patients for signs of gum disease…
In its earliest stages, gum disease may not show very many symptoms. The first signs that patients may notice include odorous breath, and sensitive or swollen gum tissue. Over time, however, gum disease eats away at health gum tissue, connective tissues, and even bone.
As gum disease advances your dentist may tell you that your gums are starting to recede—this means that the gum tissue is pulling away from the teeth. Some patients experience increased dental sensitivity due to the newly exposed dental enamel.
Periodontal pockets may form in the spaces where the gum tissue and the teeth should meet. Periodontal pockets are often hard to keep clean, and this further contributes to gum disease and bad breath. If you have periodontal pockets, your dentist may measure them using a probe at your dental examination. The size of a periodontal pocket is a good indicator of the severity of the infection.
We can also use dental X-Rays to see how your bone tissue has been affected by periodontal disease. Patients with depleted bone density may require additional restorative treatments in order to conquer gum disease and regain a healthy smile.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States, but it doesn’t have to steal your smile. Keep your eyes open for sings of periodontal disease, and make sure to see your dentist every six months for effective dental care. Call our office or schedule online to get started—your personal consultation with our Glendale dentist is the first step to a healthy smile!
In its earliest stages, gum disease may not show very many symptoms. The first signs that patients may notice include odorous breath, and sensitive or swollen gum tissue. Over time, however, gum disease eats away at health gum tissue, connective tissues, and even bone.
As gum disease advances your dentist may tell you that your gums are starting to recede—this means that the gum tissue is pulling away from the teeth. Some patients experience increased dental sensitivity due to the newly exposed dental enamel.
Periodontal pockets may form in the spaces where the gum tissue and the teeth should meet. Periodontal pockets are often hard to keep clean, and this further contributes to gum disease and bad breath. If you have periodontal pockets, your dentist may measure them using a probe at your dental examination. The size of a periodontal pocket is a good indicator of the severity of the infection.
We can also use dental X-Rays to see how your bone tissue has been affected by periodontal disease. Patients with depleted bone density may require additional restorative treatments in order to conquer gum disease and regain a healthy smile.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States, but it doesn’t have to steal your smile. Keep your eyes open for sings of periodontal disease, and make sure to see your dentist every six months for effective dental care. Call our office or schedule online to get started—your personal consultation with our Glendale dentist is the first step to a healthy smile!