How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Your dentist in Wheaton wants you to know about gum disease

If you think you might have gum disease, don’t ignore it. Gum disease is totally reversible, but if you let it go, gum disease can develop into periodontal disease, which is not reversible. You don’t want to become one of the many people with periodontal disease, which can Gum Diseaseresult in losing teeth over time. You need to save your smile and reverse your gum disease.

Dr. David Carlson in Wheaton, IL wants to share with you some of the common signs and symptoms of gum disease and what you can do to reverse its effects. You can recognize the warning signs of gum disease by looking for:

  • Gums that are red and bleed when you brush or floss
  • Gums that are painful, swollen and puffy
  • Pain when you eat or bite down
  • Frequent bad taste in your mouth and bad breath

Gum disease is also called gingivitis and is caused by plaque. The plaque in your mouth contains millions of harmful bacteria which cause inflammation, swelling, redness, bleeding and infection. If the plaque is allowed to sit undisturbed, that’s when it causes the most damage. The goal in prevention is to remove the plaque and bacteria as frequently as possible in order to prevent disease.

Gum disease and its effects are totally reversible by following a few simple steps, outlined by your dentist in Wheaton. You need to:

  • Brush after each meal and before bed
  • Floss at least once every day
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings, exams and x-rays

If you allow gum disease to go untreated, your dentist in Wheaton wants you to know it can progress to periodontal disease, which is much more serious, and could cause you to lose teeth. In gum disease, the bacteria attacks only the soft tissue; in periodontal disease, the bacteria begins to attack the bone supporting your teeth. This can result in loose, mobile teeth or the loss of your teeth entirely.

If you think you might have gum disease, it’s time to start aggressive prevention by developing excellent oral hygiene habits. It’s also time to get some help from your dentist by calling Dr. Carlson in Wheaton, IL. Call today and get started on the road to excellent health!

Contact Us Today!

Carlson Dental

610 E Roosevelt Rd, Suite 101
Wheaton, IL 60187

Phone: (630) 653-9002
Fax: (630) 653-9403

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday 8AM - 6PM
Tuesday 10AM - 6PM
Wednesday 8AM - 5PM
Thursday 8AM - 2:30PM