Is It Really That Important To See The Dentist Every 6 Months?
When was your last visit to our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning? We encourage patients to visit regularly not only so we can check for tooth decay and clean and polish their teeth, but also so we look for other harmful conditions that can lead to serious oral and overall health complications. One condition we inspect for is gum disease, which affects approximately half of American adults. Read on to learn more about this common disease and to see if you may be experiencing symptoms.
What is Gum Disease?
We are passionate about routine examinations because we want to ensure you have optimal oral health for the rest of your life. Aside from tooth decay, there are other conditions that can cause great damage to not only your oral health, but if left untreated, can greatly affect your overall health as well. Gum disease is one such disease. Gum disease is a serious gum infection, accompanied by inflammation, caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Unlike other dental issues, gum disease does not have severe discomfort as with dental decay. The warning signs are often overlooked, so we encourage patients to monitor their oral health and contact us if anything seems amiss. Be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Sudden change in your bite
- Teeth that feel loose
Patients who are diagnosed with gum disease will be in need of additional treatments and cleanings throughout the year. We never want patients to postpone treatments due to lack of insurance or concern over the cost of treatment. We offer a periodontal membership plan that may be of interest to you.
If you have not visited our office in quite some time for a hygiene examination, think you may be experiencing one of the symptoms mentioned above, or are interested in learning more about our membership plan, be sure to contact our office located in Kewaskum, WI to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
