February is largely recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month by dentists and other dental professionals alike. The reason they dedicate an entire month solely to gum disease is because the condition is still widespread, despite the increased access to dental care around the United States. Today, dentists want to emphasize the importance of seeking gum disease treatment in Lincoln when you need it, not putting it off.
To celebrate the occasions and help keep people informed, this month’s blog post will be centered around gum disease symptoms, what gum disease treatment entails and how you can prevent it from developing.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
If you aren’t sure if you have gum disease, you certainly aren’t alone. According to the American Dental Association, it is possible to have gum disease and have no clear symptoms. As a result, only 3 percent of Americans seek treatment for their gum disease, despite the fact that three out of four Americans have some form of the condition, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. These can range from mild cases of gingivitis to the more severe condition known as periodontitis.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible. These include:
- Red or purple gums
- Tender or puffy gums
- Swelling in the gums
- Gums that bleed while brushing, flossing or eating
- Gums that recede and show more of your tooth in the process
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Extreme sensitivity, especially to hot or cold stimuli
- Chronic bad breath
Why You Should Seek Treatment
If you notice that your gums are bleeding after flossing, but this does not continue after a few days of continuously flossing, this implies that you have minor gingivitis and should continue flossing and improving your overall oral care. Doing so will clear away plaque in between your gums and prevent future development of gum disease.
However, those who do not see improvements or experience any of the symptoms mentioned previously should see a dentist for treatment. Failing to do so can result in:
- Increased dental sensitivity
- Permanent damage to gum and bone tissue
- Significant oral discomfort
- Tooth loss
What Does Treatment Entail?
When you visit a dentist in Lincoln for treatment, you’ll be able to receive scaling and root planing to treat your gum disease. Scaling works to remove plaque from above and below the gum line. Since at-home brushing cannot reach below the gum line, it is insufficient to treat and manage gum disease on its own. Root planing is designed to smooth out the roots of teeth and promote their reattachment to the gums. This also works to reduce the risk of future gum infections later.
The last thing you should do in the face of gum disease is nothing at all. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can also take advantage of our Membership Savings Club to make paying for gum therapy more affordable. Schedule an appointment with a dentist and start improving your gum health this February!
About the Author
Dr. James “Colt” Beddes earned his DDS degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry. His preventive dental treatments help patients achieve the best oral health possible, including treatments specifically catered to those with gum disease. To learn more about his practice, you can contact him through the East location of Williamsburg Dental or via his website.