Your family dentist in Radcliff wants to protect your smile from gum disease

Gum disease can sneak up on you, with signs and symptoms that are barely noticeable at first. It’s important not to ignore the early signs of gum disease, because if you do, your gum disease can turn into periodontal disease. Why should you care? Because gum disease is reversible, but periodontal disease cannot be cured, only managed. Dr. Ernest Skaggs, your family dentist in Radcliff, Kentucky wants you to know the facts about gum disease.

Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is inflammation of your gum tissue. It is caused by the millions of harmful bacteria present in the plaque on your teeth. That’s why it’s vital to practice excellent oral hygiene, brushing and flossing regularly, to eliminate the bacterial plaque before it can cause damage.

We want you to know how to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of gum disease. You need to look for:

-Red, swollen, puffy gums

-Painful gums that bleed when you brush or floss

-Pain when you eat

-Frequent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

The good news is, gum disease concerns your soft tissue and is totally reversible. To reverse the effects of gum disease, your family dentist in Radcliff wants you to:

-Brush after eating and before you go to sleep

-Floss at least once daily

-Visit your family dentist in Radcliff every 6 months for professional cleanings, and yearly for an exam and x-rays

If your gum disease goes untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease. The bone surrounding your teeth can become infected and begin to disintegrate if you have periodontal disease. Once the supporting bone becomes infected, your teeth can become loose, and you could eventually lose some teeth!

Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease and let it progress to periodontal disease. Call Dr. Ernest Skaggs, your family dentist in Radcliff, Kentucky. He wants to partner with you to keep your smile healthy, so call today!