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At Chichetti & Patel Dental Wellness, we believe in achieving optimal oral health and also in what dental wellness can do for your overall health as well. This is one of the reasons we are so passionate about our patients receiving routine oral care in our office. There is a link between oral health conditions and overall health. One example is gum disease. Since February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, we want to share some more information about this common disease and how a lack of treatment can cause great harm to your oral health as well as your overall health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums surrounding the teeth. It consists of a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. Our team is trained in detecting gum disease during your routine examinations. If left untreated, gum disease will progress, affect the jawbone, and cause tooth loss. It can also contribute to medical conditions, such as respiratory disease, increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease affects approximately half of American adults. There are very few warning signs, which is one of the reasons we recommend maintaining routine care in our office. If you are between appointments, it is important to look for warning signs such as:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
If we spot signs of gum disease in your mouth, we can treat the condition. One important point we want to mention is that, if you suffer from gum disease and we provide treatment, it is important to follow our after-treatment directions and schedule and attend any further appointments we recommend. Gum disease can easily return after it is treated.
If you are in Charlotte, NC or the surrounding area and have questions about gum disease or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today. We look forward to working with you to improve your oral health!
