Why you should take gum disease seriously
Gum disease (also known as gingivitis, periodontal disease, or periodontitis) can start as a minor problem but will continue to get more severe. Although common, most people do not realize that gum disease can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body if left untreated. Brushing your teeth, and caring for your gums daily, is the biggest defence to gum disease. Although it may start with mild inflammation in the gums, it can lead to major bone and soft tissue damage as well as other systemic problems. Bleeding when brushing your teeth is the first sign of gum disease and should not be ignored. By seeking professional support from your dentist, you can receive treatment to help stop gum disease turning into a serious problem. What causes gum disease? Unavoidably, our mouths contain bacteria that can form plaque on our teeth. If plaque is not removed through brushing, it hardens to form tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing at home – it can only be removed by a professional dentist/dental hygienist. If plaque and tartar are left to build up on your teeth, they begin to cause problems. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can infect the gums causing gingivitis. If left untreated, this then leads to periodontitis and more serious gum disease. Signs and symptoms of gum disease. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, certain medications, genetics, and other illnesses can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Signs and symptoms to look out for include: Relentless bad breath Swollen or red gums Bleeding or painful gums Loose teeth Gums that are receding/look smaller Pain on chewing Sensitive teeth Gum disease does not just affect your teeth but can cause complications in other parts of your body too. It can put you at risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and problems during pregnancy. How does gum disease cause these problems? If left untreated, it affects the bloodstream, slowly damaging blood vessels in the heart and brain over time. This is why it is important not to let gum disease go unchecked. Take action There are clear steps that you can take to help avoid gum disease, and treat it if you are worried that you may have symptoms: Clean in-between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes before brushing. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for check-ups, and thorough cleaning (take special care to have regular check-ups if you are pregnant or have a chronic condition). At the first sign of any symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist for an examination. By seeking treatment early, you can avoid the more serious consequences of gum disease. If you need a dentist then Ascent Dental is always accepting new patients. Working with the latest technology and current research we are here to help you with all your dental requirements. Give Ascent Dental a call today on (303) 975-6987 or fill out our contact form here.
Common Tooth Pain and What it Means
A toothache may be common, but that does not make it any more bearable. It can come on slowly or suddenly and have a serious impact on your everyday life, affecting your daily activities and sleep. The pain and discomfort of a toothache can be disarming, sometimes making you feel helpless. However, it is not necessary to suffer from common tooth pain. You just need to answer two simple questions: When does it hurt? – does something specific trigger the pain? Is it there all the time? Does it get worse with heat or cold? Where does it hurt? – a single tooth, right through your jaw, in your gums? Is the pain radiating elsewhere in your face? Answering these questions will help you and your dentist to identify the cause of the problem. It is vital not to ignore a toothache. If the pain is caused by a problem such as tooth decay or an abscess then it can get worse if left untreated. Although a toothache is rarely life-threatening, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem that needs immediate attention. Symptoms and causes of tooth pain. Not all toothaches present the same discomfort. It may be consistent or come and go. It may be a dull ache or sharp pain. Everyone experiences tooth pain slightly differently, and various tooth problems will cause different symptoms. However, there are a number of symptoms to look out for: Pain – this can be dull, constant, intermittent, sharp, throbbing, or only appear under certain conditions. Sensitivity – to heat or cold. Swelling – around the tooth, gums, or jaw. Blood or pus – being discharged from the tooth area (may be foul-tasting) Trauma or injury – to your tooth, gums, or jaw. There several reasons why you may have developed tooth pain and it is recommended that you see a professional to find the cause of the problem. Some common causes of tooth pain are: Tooth decay Trauma or injury An abscessed tooth or tooth infection Damage to a filling or a filling/crown has fallen out Gum infection or gum recession Worn tooth enamel Regular grinding of your teeth Something stuck in your gums To try and avoid developing problems with your teeth it is important to visit your dentist regularly. Carry out a thorough tooth hygiene regime at home including regular brushing and flossing, to ensure your teeth stay healthy. If you do develop tooth pain, do not ignore it, and make an emergency appointment with your dentist right away. If you are in need of a dentist, Ascent Dental is accepting new patients. We work with the latest technology and are here to support you with all your dental needs. Serving Cherry Creek and Denver, Colorado, you can call us on (303) 975-6987 or fill out a contact form here.