The Dangers of Gum Disease

At Coshocton Dentistry we specialize in a variety of practices from cosmetic dentistry to regular cleaning. However, one thing we see in a lot of our patients is gum disease. This is a very common issue that many people have, and it can be very dangerous if not handled properly.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a common infection which leads to soft tissue damage around your teeth. Eventually, this can cause tooth loss and in extreme cases, even death.

Is it Normal for Your Gums to Bleed, Even a Little?

Any kind of bleeding is not normal. If you brush your hair and you see blood, would you think that’s normal? Bleeding gums is a sign of bacteria that is not being brushed or flossed regularly enough. Once we notice that there is a gum issue, we suggest paying more attention to those areas and we will help with that. We can help you maintain the problemed areas and coach you on how to properly take care of bleeding gums.

Example of a Patient with Gum Disease:

This patient has advanced periodontal disease which is an infection in their bone and gums as a result of plaque. The buildup of enough plaque can destroy the boning attachment around their teeth causing them to lose their teeth even though they may be healthy.
 

Example of Gingivitis:

A more common example of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis can develop as a result of stress as your body is not fighting off bacteria properly, or if you’re not cleaning your teeth and gums properly.

If You Have Gum Disease or May Develop a Gum Disease...

If you are at risk of gum disease, we suggest you increase your frequency of appointments with us. We, even offer some other treatment services if necessary. Moreover, we may need to involve a specialist. Your gums are really the foundation of your teeth and without them, it's really a difficult process to restore them! That is why it is better to catch it early and never miss a cleaning! If you have any questions about gum disease or think you may be at risk of gum disease, contact us today!