Whenever I do a dental exam I ask, how are your teeth doing? The response I get back for the most part is, “Good”. After I complete the exam I am curious to find that the teeth are great but the gums that support the teeth are red, inflamed and unhealthy. The patient is living with great healthy teeth but the supporting structure of gums and bone is slowly deteriorating due to gum disease, and they are not feeling any pain or discomfort. Let’s talk about the warning signs, risk factors and what you can do to prevent gum disease.

Warning signs:

1. Gums that bleed easy/or when flossing
2. Swollen, red tender gums (They should be pink)
3. Gums that have pulled away from the tooth (gum recession)
4. Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
5. Loose teeth
6. Changes in the way your teeth fit together in your bite

Risk Factors:

1. Poor home care
2. Smoking or chewing tobacco
3. Genetics
4. Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
5. Pregnancy
6. Diabetes
7. Medications

What is it and What can YOU do?

Get your teeth cleaned and maintain your regular dental check-ups. Even those that have great home care miss a day flossing and that tough spot in the mouth while brushing. It only takes a day to get build-up on your teeth and for your gums to start bleeding, and that is what Gingivitis is. If you do not stop the bleeding and your gums continue to bleed Gingivitis will progress to the next stage called Periodontitis. (This is classified when you start to lose bone.) You will notice your gums recede, bleed and odors coming from your mouth.  Once you lose bone you will not grow it back. We are here to help you fight this quiet disease that usually does not cause pain but major damage. If you notice your gums have been bleeding for some time come see us! According to the CDC 47% of adults over 30 have a form of gum disease. Check the video out on the link below from the ADA website to learn more about gum disease. If you have questions please call us at 303-796-7400

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease.aspx