Your gums are the foundation of your oral health. However, countless patients suffer from the detrimental effects of gum disease each year. At Marietta Dental Professionals, we take gum disease seriously. While gum disease is easily treated at its earliest stages with general dentistry, it can quickly progress to compromise your smile and body health if left alone. In fact, advanced and untreated gum disease has been linked to tooth loss as well as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and premature birth. When choosing our family dental practice in Marietta, you can trust that we not only monitor your gum health during routine exams, but we are equipped to offer effective treatment for gum disease if it should present itself.
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
Our dentists value the importance of educating patients on the symptoms of gum disease so that they can seek treatment sooner rather than later. What begins as red or bleeding gums can quickly progress to receding gums and loose teeth if proper treatment is not initiated. The common warning signs of gum disease include the following:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Gum disease is essentially an infection within the soft tissues that support your teeth. The infection starts when plaque hardens below the gum line, which is often a result of poor oral hygiene. When this plaque emits bacteria and combines with food particles lodged in between teeth, the infection can accelerate quickly. Gum disease may appear as red, puffy or irritated gums at first (gingivitis), but it can eventually damage surrounding bone and cause the gums to pull away from the tooth roots.
At Marietta Dental Professionals, we can help you understand your specific risk factors for gum disease. We can also help identify lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your oral health condition. We offer the most proven treatments to reverse gum disease so that you never have to suffer its serious consequences. If you are experiencing bleeding or receding gums, we invite you to contact our East Cobb office today. We promise to make your dental care experience comfortable, convenient and highly rewarding.