Gum Disease Therapy
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a progressive disease that can destroy the jaw bone. Approximately 80% of people are unaware that they have the disease because the signs and symptoms of the disease may be very subtle or even painless in its early stages. Most of the time gum and bone disease have no symptoms and can only be detected with a thorough exam, especially at the beginning stages. This is the ideal time to identify and attack the problem (irreversible jaw bone loss).
Gum disease, as it progresses, may present itself as:
- bleeding gums
- swollen and red gums
- bad breath
- sensitive teeth
- loose teeth
Some people may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Embrace Dental Care would like to help you achieve optimal dental health by evaluating your oral health and providing you with the appropriate maintenance program to control and maintain your jaw bone disease.
Treating gum disease is extremely important.
If gum disease goes untreated, the disease will destroy the jaw bone around the teeth. Once the bone is lost around the teeth, the teeth become loose and eventually will be lost. Approximately 70% of the population will lose their teeth through gum disease. Gum and bone disease is an irreversible disease. Gum disease is not curable but can be maintained and the progression delayed by having regular dental cleanings and following a thorough home care regimen.
Contributing factors that will influence the progression of the disease are:
- bacterial plaque (a sticky film that forms on the teeth daily)
- underlying health problems
- dry mouth from medications
- genetic predisposition
- smoking
Many studies have been done that link the bacteria found in gum disease with the progression of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and negative effects on overall general health. Our hygienist Jennifer would like to help you treat your disease by setting you up on an appropriate dental hygiene program that will effectively treat and maintain your gum and bone disease. They will provide you with the appropriate tools and guidelines to help you with your fight against this progressive and irreversible disease.