If I have periodontal disease why doesn’t it hurt?

If I have periodontal disease why doesn’t it hurt?  This is an excellent question, and one that we get a lot at our Columbus, Ohio dental office. I try to relate periodontal disease to how my patients think about monitoring their blood pressure. If you are not checking your blood pressure you may not be aware that your blood pressure is high until it’s really high and you wind up in an emergency situation.  High blood pressure “doesn’t hurt” until it’s too late. Periodontal disease doesn’t hurt either but if you put off dental care until it hurts, you risk … Continue reading

Could you have Gum Disease and not know it?

Could you be one of the millions of people who have gum disease and don’t know it? The American Academy of Periodontology’s risk assessment test will help you see if you are at risk for having or developing gum disease. Lots of people don’t know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.  By visiting a Columbus Dentist regularly, you can easily control any gum disease infection you may have. What are Gum Disease Symptoms? The presence of any of these symptoms warrants a complete examination for gum disease by a periodontist or dentist. … Continue reading

Posted in> Blog, Gum Disease

Is Advanced Gum disease causing you health problems?

Scientific Research suggests that advanced gum disease(periodontal disease) may be linked to Diabetes, Cardiovascular Problems and Pre-Term birth.  In addition it causes bad breath and if left untreated can be a leading cause of tooth loss and does anyone really want to go around with stinky breath and/or no teeth when there is a simple solution… visiting your dentist on a regular basis. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis which affects a majority of all adult Americans at some point in their lives, and most aren’t even aware of it. Gingivitis, while common, may progress to a more serious condition, periodontal disease.  Yes it’s a … Continue reading

Posted in> Bad Breath, Gum Disease

Oral Health and General Health: What’s the Connection?

Did you know that ideal general health starts with optimal oral health?  Failure to adequately care for your teeth and gums can result in the development of medical conditions far more serious than gum disease and tooth loss. Studies suggest that a number of secondary health issues can be caused as a result of poor oral hygiene.  The mouth is often the mirror of the body.  Many diseases appear first in the mouth and are thus found while the patient is in the dental chair. Research has shown and experts agree that there is a link between periodontal(gum) diseases and other chronic … Continue reading

Posted in> Gum Disease

Are you one of the 4 out 5 people with Gum Disease?

Ugh!!! Gum Disease!! Make a commitment to yourself to improve your health and your smile today.  Did you know that 4 out of 5 people are walking around with the worst silent killer of teeth and it’s called periodontal disease to us dental clinical types but your probably no it as Gum Disease. Yes it’s a disease, yes it can get kind of gross, but it is easily treatable and maybe even reversible if you stick with it! Did you know gum disease has been linked to heart disease?   Yep and why do you think we stress flossing between your teeth … Continue reading

Posted in> Gum Disease

What is gum disease and why do I want to make sure I don’t have it?

What is gum (periodontal) disease? Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  It is a major cause of tooth loss, bleeding gums, and bad breath in adults.  Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. What can cause gum disease? Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. There are other factors that can contribute to gum disease including: Hormonal Changes such as those occurring during pregnancy and menopause Illnesses including cancer, HIV, and diabetes Medications that lessen the flow … Continue reading