Gum disease is one of the major causes of tooth corrosion. As many as 47.2 percent of U.S. adults 30 or older live with some form of periodontitis, so we’re continually seeing for it in our Chula Vista, California, office. Here are a few basics on gum disease to aid you to know what you can do to lower your risk for developing swollen, bloody gums.
If you have a form of gum disease, you’re not alone. A few estimates by the Center for Disease Control suggest that approximately 70 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older have gum disease. Men account for 56.4 percent of periodontal disease in the U.S., with women accounting for the other 38.4 percent.
Identifying gum disease can be difficult since some symptoms may not manifest in early stages. Be alert if you notice any of the following: tender gums or painful teeth-brushing, bleeding gums, loosening pearly whites or a change in the location of your bite, receding gums or pearly whites that look longer than normal, or mouth sores or pus around the pearly whites and gums. If you believe you may have periodontal disease, ask us to check your gums and look at your risk factors.
Periodontal disease is normally preventable with good oral hygiene. Brushing your chompers and flossing after meals, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly will assist you in foiling periodontal disease and related side effects.
At Derek M. Lichter, DDS, Inc., we’re here to support you in the fight against periodontal disease. Dr. Derek Lichter and our staff are trained to work with gum disease, so please don’t hesitate to schedule your next visit with us by calling 619-591-8945 now.
