What your dentist in Allentown wants you to know
If you want to have a healthy smile as you get older, there are some health issues you shouldn’t ignore. If you are showing signs of periodontal disease, don’t procrastinate! Get some help from an expert because your smile depends on it. Dr. Robert Sanford at Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown, PA, wants to share the facts about why you need to care about periodontal disease.
You need to care about preventing periodontal disease because periodontal disease may lead to:
- Other health issues including heart disease
- Teeth moving out of position or loose
- Teeth needing to be extracted
- Expensive tooth replacement or dental appliances
There are many signs along the way that you need to pay attention to. It all starts out as gum disease. The signs of gum disease are:
- Red and swollen gum tissue
- Painful gum tissue
- Bleeding gum tissue when you brush and floss your teeth
Fortunately, you can reverse gum disease by practicing excellent oral hygiene. Brush after meals and before bed, floss daily and visit your dentist every year for an exam and x-rays, and your hygienist every six months for a professional cleaning.
Gum disease can progress to periodontal disease, which also involves the supporting bone in your jaw. Periodontal disease needs to be aggressively treated by your dentist and you need to practice excellent oral hygiene, otherwise, you can suffer bone destruction and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease has all the same symptoms as gum disease, plus a few more including:
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum recession and exposed tooth roots
- Chronic bad breath and sour taste in your mouth
- Teeth that feel like they are moving or have shifted out of position
If you think you might have periodontal disease, it’s critical to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Dr. Sanford offers a full range of periodontal therapy services to treat your gums, supporting bone and your teeth. Don’t gamble with the health of your smile. Call Dr. Sanford at Sanford Center for Total Health Dentistry in Allentown, PA. Take care of your smile by calling today!