Did you know?
If you have been told you have gum disease, you’re not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease. San Antonio dentist Dr. Edward Camacho can help determine whether you have gum disease, and come up with a plan to best treat it and prevent it from re-occurring.
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, they are lost.
Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth, and your San Antonio dentist aims to protect your smile and health.
What is Periodontal Disease and what can my San Antonio dentist do to help stop/prevent it?
“Perio” means around, and “dontal” refers to teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold them in place. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis–an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone.
Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause this disease. San Antonio dentist Dr. Camacho will help you reduce the chances of this bacteria building up and causing long-term damage.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms may include the following:
- Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
- Halitosis, or bad breath
- Gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
- “Pockets” between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
- Loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing gum disease. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it’s normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.
If you think that you may be suffering from this disease please contact Dr. Camacho, your San Antonio dentist, to schedule an appointment online or via phone at: (210)493-9944.
