As the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, gum disease is a major problem in America today. Your gums are an extremely important part of your oral health, so when bacteria affects the health of your gums, it affects the health of your teeth, bone and more. Fortunately, gum disease is both preventable and treatable with proper hygiene.

What Is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection and/or inflammation of the gum tissue around your teeth. There are two basic stages of gum disease: gingivitis (mild inflammation, resulting in swollen, red gums that may bleed) and periodontitis (major inflammation, usually resulting in tooth loss). According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “over 47 percent of the U.S. adult population aged 30 years and older have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis.”

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

The tricky thing about gum disease is that since it’s often painless, it can be hard to detect. But there are several warning signs that can signal a problem with the health of your gums. Here are some of them, according to the ADA:

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen, tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste
• permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• any change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have any of these signs and symptoms, it’s important to see your Springville dentist about them.

How Dental Implants Can Help Treat Gum Disease

For many people, they don’t realize they have gum disease until it’s too late, resulting in loose or lost teeth. If that’s the case, dental implants are the best solution. Research shows that not only do dental implants not lead to an increased risk for gum disease, they actually help improve their health of your mouth by fusing to your jawbone. They also permanently replicate the form and function of the tooth you lost.

If you’d like an evaluation for periodontal disease or gum disease, schedule a consultation us today! Preventing gum disease can improve your health. Regular dental checkups can keep gum disease away.