WHO GETS GUM DISEASE?
People usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
How do you know if you have gum disease? While advanced periodontal disease causes symptoms you may notice, including bad breath, red or swollen or tender gums, painful chewing, and receding gums or teeth that appear to be longer, early periodontal disease can often only be diagnosed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist will:
- Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease.
- Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
- Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters.
- Take x-rays to see whether there is any bone loss.
If you, your family, or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!
Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.