You may have periodontal (gum) disease and not even know it, and as your Batavia Dentist, I want to help you avoid the serious health implications that can come with untreated gum disease.
Because gum disease has been found to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other diseases, everyone is encouraged to bring any incidence of bleeding gums and other symptoms of gum disease to the attention of their dentist or dental hygienist. Concerns over periodontal (gum) disease have recently been further heightened by the finding that two types of bacteria associated with gum disease may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, which is cancer of the tube (esophagus) that runs from the throat to the stomach. With this in mind, you have all the more reason to get regular dental cleanings and checkups that can help spot signs of gum disease and treat it before it progresses.
I’m not trying to scare you, but … according to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of American adults – or 64.7 million people age 30 and older – have it. And many don’t know it. Also known as gum disease and “the silent killer,” it can lead to serious health conditions if allowed to progress.
That’s why you can trust us – your dental health professionals at Batavia Family Dental – to spot the signs, diagnose the level of disease, and recommend the right treatment to protect your smile and overall health.
What causes gum disease? After devoting many years to research, scientists and dental professionals have found that different forms of oral bacteria are to blame, including Streptococcus mutans. Gum disease develops when these bacteria accumulates. You know it as plaque, the clear and sticky film that you see and feel when it builds up on and between your teeth and gums.
When you develop gum disease, you probably won’t show any symptoms at first. However, as gum disease worsens over time, you will experience swollen, tender and/or bleeding gums. An unpleasant taste in your mouth is also likely. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can include receding gums, loose teeth, and mouth sores.
How serious can gum disease be? An infection can do a lot more damage than just cause inflamed gums, it can destroy the structures that support your teeth – tendons, ligaments, and bone. Ultimately, tooth loss will occur. Scientific research also supports a strong link between gum disease and other serious systemic medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, oral cancer, some cancers, and even Alzheimer’s.
It’s possible to prevent – and even reverse – gum disease, but we must do it together. At Batavia Family Dental, we encourage an easy 3-step preventive measure: brush at least twice a day, floss every day, and come see us, your Batavia Dentist, for your regular teeth cleaning and checkups!
If you’re showing signs of gum disease, give us a call right away. We will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, plaque level, bone structure, and check for risk factors. If there’s anything you should be doing differently to keep your smile healthy, we’ll let you know exactly what that is.
Then you can smile with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken all the right steps to preserve your smile and stay healthy and beautiful. Call us today!
At Batavia Family Dental, we are strong believers in the importance of education and preventive care as key components to optimal dental health as well as overall health. That’s why we are focused on a healthy smile as well as a healthy body for all our patients. To achieve these goals, we conduct thorough exams, review medical histories, and provide instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques. If you are as concerned as we are about healthy teeth and gums, call our office today for an appointment for comprehensive dental care. We’re located at 6 Batavia City Centre. Contact us today! We accept most insurances.
Yours in dental health,
Dr. Steve Sokolovskiy, Batavia dentist
P.S. Regular dental flossing at least once a day (ideally at bedtime) removes accumulated food particles that can lead to gum disease.