You’ve heard about gum disease and how it can affect your teeth and your health, but you’re not sure if you have it. Answer the questions below to get a good idea of whether or not you have it or are at risk for developing it.
Are you over the age of 40?
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
Do your gums bleed when you floss?
Do your teeth feel loose?
Are your gums receeding? Are you “long-in-the-tooth”?
Do you smoke?
Do you chew tobacco?
Do you you brush your teeth fewer times than twice per day?
Are your gums inflamed?
Have you needed to have any of your teeth extracted?
Does anyone in your family have gum disease?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be at risk for periodontal disease. The chances of developing gum disease are much higher as we age. Bleeding and inflamed gums are often the first sign that you may have gum disease. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly and often skip visiting the dentist, you may develop gum disease more easily than if you had impeccable oral care. Another warning sign is receding gums. As we age, we often become “long-in-the-tooth”, meaning more of our tooth structure is exposed than what is considered normal in a healthy mouth. Also, if someone in your family has had gum disease, especially your parents or grandparents, you may want to have your mouth checked by a periodontal specialist.
While the above signs do not necessarily mean you have gum disease, you may not be far from developing it. Because gum disease has no cure, it is best to try and prevent or treat it while it is in the early stages.
Your health matters to us. If you have any questions concerning this post, call us at (248) 357-3100 today. We’re always happy to hear from our awesome patients!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.