Gum Disease Risks You Should Know About

November 1, 2018

Millions of Americans suffer from some type of gum disease, but many are unaware of how serious the condition can become if it’s not treated quickly by your periodontist in Houston, TX. Depending on the severity of the condition, gum disease may also be referred to as gingivitis or periodontitis. While there are things you can do to prevent this condition, some are predisposed because of certain risk factors.

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that is left untreated and is eventually able to destroy your gums and teeth. Signs that you should be concerned about include:

• Swollen, tender or red gums
• Receding gums
• Shifting or loose teeth
• Bleeding gums after brushing
• Bad taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath
• Changes in the bite
• Deep pocket formation between the gums and teeth

Even those who don’t have symptoms may be dealing with some form of the disease. This is why it’s extremely important to see a dentist or periodontist regularly.

What Causes Gum Disease?

While poor oral health is a strong cause of disease, there are also certain risk factors that are outside your control. These include:

• Illnesses like HIV, cancer or anything else that affects the immune system
• Medications can also cause gum tissue to grow abnormally
• Smoking and other bad habits that make it difficult for gum tissue to repair
• Poor oral hygiene habits, like skipping flossing or brushing
• Hormonal changes like those during menstruation, menopause, puberty or pregnancy
• Family history

As your body changes, so will the ability of your gums to fight off bacteria. To ensure that your mouth is always healthy, and your gums are protected, you should see a professional regularly. Preventative steps can save your teeth in the long run.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Robert Friedberg. Whether you are in the advanced stages of gum disease in Houston, TX or just want the peace of mind that all is well, we are happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]