Dentists in Cary NC will tell you that gum disease is a common occurrence in adults, especially so after the age of fifty. According to the Food and Drug Administration, 15% of adults in The United States between the ages of 21 and 50 suffer from gingivitis, among those beyond this age group, 30% have gingivitis. But what exactly is gingivitis, and why is it so prevalent today, in an age where dental hygiene information and technology has become so advanced?
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontitis, a disease defined by inflammation of the gums around the teeth and that results in loosening of the teeth. Dentists in Cary NC know the reason so many Americans suffer gingivitis today, and it is simple. The reason so many Americans today still suffer from gingivitis is that many people neglect taking appropriate measures to secure their oral health.
In lieu of this worrisome trend, here are 5 symptoms of gum disease dentists in Cary NC suggest to look out for:
- Tender Gums
One day you may be brushing and notice that the process is more uncomfortable than it likely should be. This may be hard to notice because the development of gingivitis is gradual. Next time you brush, think about it. Focus on the feeling. Does it hurt? Is it uncomfortable? - Bleeding of the Gums
You may find every once in a while that your gums bleed after eating certain foods or brushing your teeth. Don’t freak out! It’s obviously not life threatening. But it may be a sign that you aren’t taking care of your teeth as well as you should be — especially if it happens increasingly often. - Receding Gums
Have you noticed your teeth starting to look bigger? Unless the moon is almost full and you’ve recently been bitten by a werewolf, they probably aren’t actually growing. It is more likely that gingivitis is causing your gums to recede, causing your teeth to look longer. - Bad Breath
You can’t really smell your own breath. Your Cary NC dentists might, but they may be too polite to point it out. Other people in your life, however, might be more bold. Sometimes bad breath isn’t simply bad breath. It can be a symptom of something else. - Loose Teeth
When you’re a kid, loose teeth are exciting. They usually meant a pending visit from the tooth fairy and the resulting increase in purchasing power. However, as an adult, the couple of dollars the tooth fairy will trade for a tooth likely won’t cover the medical expenses incurred when dealing with the loss of adult teeth that don’t grow back. If you’re an adult and your teeth are loose, it would behoove you to get that checked out by a dentist in Cary NC.
Gingivitis isn’t the end of the world, but it isn’t a good thing either. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which can have serious consequences on your oral health. If you experience any of these symptoms, book an appointment with Alliance Dentistry today.