We’re closing out Gum Disease Awareness Month with some insight into this insidious oral health problem, how to spot it, and what our team at Friendly Smiles Center can do to protect your smile!

What Gum Disease Looks Like

While your dentist and hygienist in Mount Laurel are trained to spot gum disease through a visual examination and through the use of special equipment, there are also signs and symptoms you can watch for at home:

  • Tender, red, or bleeding gums
  • Gums that are swollen or irritated
  • Sensitive teeth, especially to hot and cold temperatures
  • Painful chewing or difficult oral function
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • Sores on your gums
  • Teeth that are loose or shifting out of place

None of these symptoms are normal, so be sure to call us right away if you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease so we can act fast to restore your smile.

Why Gum Disease Is So Dangerous

Gum disease infection gets under the gumline and causes inflammation. If this isn’t treated, the infection continues on a destructive path in your mouth, starting with the recession of your gum tissues and then to the deterioration of your jawbone.
The worst-case scenario for your dental health is tooth loss, since your teeth no longer have anything keeping them in place.

But your overall health is the next stop for this dangerous disease.

The bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream and is linked to serious health issues like:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cancer

How We Can Help You Fight It

When caught early enough, it’s possible to reverse gum disease. If it’s in a more advanced stage, it can only be treated and controlled so it doesn’t continue to eat away at the supporting structures in your mouth.

That’s why we want to see you twice a year for checkups. Your toothbrush and dental floss can’t remove dental plaque, so your cleanings and exams are necessary to keep it from building up and infecting your gums.

Also, it gives us the chance to catch and treat gum disease in its earliest stage for a more successful outcome.

Preventing gum disease requires a proactive approach, so make sure your routine hygiene appointments are always part of your yearly calendar!

Call Now For An Appointment!

It’s impossible to fight the battle against gum disease alone.

The good news is that your Mount Laurel dentist is here to fight it with you!

With routine care and effective treatment, we’ll help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Call Friendly Smiles Center today at 856-359-4000 or fill out our online form to schedule your next dental appointment in Mount Laurel, NJ.