Three Reasons Why You Should Take Good Care of Your Gums

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious condition which manifests itself through bleeding, receding gums, abscesses and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to teeth falling out, and there is sometimes the risk of the jaw bone becoming infected.

Periodontal disease is easily prevented, but at Stony Brook Family Dentistry we see many patients who are ignorant of the warning signs and do not understand that their gums are just as important as their teeth. Here are three things that we want our patients to know:

1. Periodontal disease can be difficult to reverse

Your gums are quite resilient, and mild cases of gingivitis (gums that bleed when you brush your teeth) are usually reversible. However, true periodontal disease is a much more serious condition and it is harder to reverse. If your gums recede and your teeth get lose, it will be difficult to turn back the clock.

2. Abscesses can spread

One common symptom of periodontal disease is abscesses on your gums. These abscesses can spread to your jaw bone, and if this happens then it will be painful and difficult to treat. Don’t leave yourself open to such a potentially nasty infection.

3. Replacing teeth is expensive

During the final stage of periodontal disease, your teeth can start to fall out. If this happens, you have two choices – wear dentures, or have a replacement tooth screwed into your jaw. Neither of these options are particularly comfortable, and they can be expensive too. Why put yourself through that when you can simply take a little more care over brushing your teeth, using mouth rinse, and flossing?

Periodontal disease is preventable. Give us a call to find out what you can do to keep your gums strong and healthy.