What No One Tells You About Your Gums

“Say Cheese!” Your smile is just the tip of the iceberg. The health, beauty, and longevity of your pearly whites depends on many factors, including your gums. When you have gum disease, we call it “Periodontitis.” Gum disease is a common, but serious infection that damages the gums and bones that support the teeth. Untreated, the teeth will eventually fall out.

If you have any inkling that something is different about your gums, call your dentists at South Shore Smiles. Here are some red flags:

  • Persistent bad breath or weird taste in the mouth.
  • Gums that hurt, especially when touched.
  • Red, swollen, sometimes purple gums.
  • Gums pulled away from teeth, making them appear longer.
  • New spaces between teeth.
  • Pus between teeth.
  • Loose teeth.
  • A change in your bite.

Your dentist will check your gum’s health during your normal checkups and cleaning. If you are overdue, you could have periodontitis and not know it. Make sure to make an appointment right away because you can lose your teeth. You are also at an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and other diseases.

The good news is that periodontitis is treatable. Your dentist cleans out bacteria from the pockets around the teeth to prevent further destruction of bone and tissue. If that is not an option, there are other ways to treat gum disease. Another piece of good news is that periodontitis is usually prevented with good oral hygiene. This includes brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist. CLICK HERE for our blog about preventative dentistry.

Call your dentists, Roger Shieh and Rachel Dunlop, at South Shore Smiles to schedule an exam. Your dentist can check for any problems with your gums. Call us at South Shore Smiles to set up an appointment today at: (219) 627-3133. For more information, CLICK HERE.

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