What your family dentist in Radcliff, Kentucky wants you to know

When you brush and floss, you are protecting more than just your teeth; you are protecting your gums too. If you aren’t practicing good oral hygiene habits, you may be on your way to red, swollen, painful gums and gum disease. Dr. Ernest Skaggs in Radcliff, Kentucky wants to share some of the early warning signs and symptoms of gum disease and how you can make your smile healthy again.

In its early stages, gum disease is reversible, but it’s important to be able to recognize it early so you can take action. These are some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease you should not ignore:

• Your gums bleed when you brush and floss
• Your gums are red, irritated, and painful
• Your gums are swollen and puffy
• You have frequent bad breath or a sour taste in your mouth

So, what causes gum disease? It’s caused by plaque. That’s because plaque contains millions of harmful bacteria that produce toxins. These toxins are strong enough to cause infection in your gums, resulting in gum disease and all of its signs and symptoms.

You can prevent gum disease by following a program of regular brushing and flossing. You should:

• Brush after eating and before you go to bed
• Floss at least once every day
• Visit your dentist yearly for a full dental exam, including x-rays
• Visit your dental hygienist for a dental cleaning every 6 six months

Gum disease can be reversed, but if it is left untreated, the bacteria can begin to destroy the bone that surrounds your teeth. Once the bone is involved, you now have periodontal disease, which can’t be reversed, but it can be managed. Destruction of the supporting bone can result in loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss.

It’s vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of gum disease so you can do something about it. You don’t want it to develop into periodontal disease. For more information about gum disease and how your dentist can help, call Dr. Ernest Skaggs in Radcliff, Kentucky today!