If your dentist or dental hygienist has told you that you have gum disease, or if you've noticed bleeding gums, or if you've noticed bad breath, congratulations! This seems like an odd response to such news, but you have been given a gift. You have been given valuable information that will allow you to be proactive and get the treatment that you need. The fact of the matter is that the majority of people who have gum disease are unaware that they have a problem.  Gum disease presents with few if any symptoms and yet affects millions of Americans.

 

If my teeth don't hurt, why do I need treatment?

There are several reasons to get see a periodontist even if you're not having symptoms.

 

1. To keep your teeth!  Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In generations past, many people lost their teeth and wound up with a denture despite regular dental care. Today, with advances in periodontal diagnosis and treatment, this is largely avoidable provided the periodontal condition is identified and treated early enough.

 

2. To rid your body of toxins and infection!  Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue and bone around your teeth. Bacteria and toxins present in pockets around the teeth can enter the circulation and cause infections of the heart or other parts of the body.  Like any infection in your body, this infection should be eliminated for both your dental health as well as your systemic health.

 

3. To help prevent systemic disease!  Gum disease is associated with many systemic diseases including diabetes, heart attack, some forms of cancer, osteoporosis, and stroke. Treatment of gum disease helps to reduce your risk for these diseases.

 

Don’t ignore the subtle signs of gum disease or the recommendation of your dentist or hygienist.  Call our office today and schedule an evaluation.