Could you have Gum Disease and not know it?
Heather | January 18, 2011
Click to take the Rate your Gums Risk Quiz
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.
- Sensitivity and/or bleeding while brushing, flossing, or even eating.
- Chronic Bad breath
- Gum recession, which results in teeth looking longer because more of the tooth is exposed
- Loose or shifting teeth; Some teeth may no longer touch.
- Tooth loss, a result of gum disease.
- Having a constant bad taste in your mouth
Since gum disease can develop with no obvious symptoms, an examination of your gums and jaw bones is the only accurate way to determine if you have gum disease. This includes measuring the depth of the gum pockets and using x-rays to determine the bone level.
Do all dentists diagnose Gum Disease the Same?
Sadly, no. Since early gum disease has few obvious symptoms and no pain, many dental patients are shocked to discover they have gum disease. This presents a challenge to the dentist and hygienist to educate the patient to understand the need and benefits of taking care of gum disease in the early stages.
There are dentists that won’t diagnose gum disease in the early stages and allow the patient to carry around the disease in their mouths for years thinking everything is just fine. This in turns leads the patients to another shocking discovery years down the road….. when they lose a tooth or two that could have been saved with a little extra diligence and care.
See how your gums are doing? Take the Gum Disease Risk Assessment Quiz
For tons more Gum Disease information Check out Gum Disease:What you need to know.