If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you are not alone. Many Americans are diagnosed with gum disease, so you don’t have to feel as if it’s something to be ashamed about. Gum disease (which ranges from periodontitis, gingivitis and more) is very common in the U.S. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show over half of American adults suffer from gum disease. Roughly, the study showed that approximately 64.7 million adults have moderate or severe periodontitis. From the study, it’s pretty safe to say that over half of Americans have an issue with dental health.

WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?

Because of how common the disease is, you should focus your efforts on taking care of your oral health. Gum disease can be caused by a myriad of things including neglecting your dental health, bad brushing habits, and can even be hereditary. These are some of the main causes of gum disease:

• Neglecting to brush and floss regularly: Having good oral hygiene is one way you can prevent against putting yourself at risk for gum disease. Gum disease is essentially caused by bad dental hygiene, so by sticking to a daily routine, you are already fighting against bacteria.
• Forgetting to schedule regular appointments: Although brushing and flossing helps, only a periodontist can help with regular teeth cleanings. Our specialists in San Antonio will remove any tartar that has built up on your teeth, which is something that cannot be done with simple brushing and flossing.
• Smoking: Smoking or chewing tobacco is not good for your teeth or your gums. The habit of smoking increases your chances of getting gum disease because it doesn’t allow for your gum tissues to heal naturally.

There are also ways to help prevent gum disease. Because so many Americans suffer from it, it’s never a bad idea to take preventative action against the disease. For instance, visiting your periodontist regularly to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy is a great way to check that your dental health is good. At KRK Implant Center in San Antonio, specialists such as Dr. Krueger can help analyze your teeth to make sure that you are not showing any signs of gum disease.

Although common in adults; periodontitis, gingivitis or any form of gum disease is something that is very serious condition and should be treated as soon as detected. If you suspect that you are showing any signs or symptoms of gum disease, be proactive and look into it further. At our office in San Antonio, you can call today for a consultation to help plan the best treatment options that are available for your individual situation. Gum disease is best dealt with when it is caught early, so if you are showing any symptoms, it’s better to be safe and schedule an appointment than to neglect your dental health.

Schedule your consultation today at our San Antonio office by calling 210.826.3946!

Over half of American adults suffer from gum disease. Research from the American Academy of Periodontology shows that a large number of adults have moderate or severe periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease. Without proper treatment, gum disease can lead to loss of bone structure, tooth loss, and unstable teeth. Essentially, having gum disease can ruin your smile, which is not good news. However, there are ways to protect yourself from the disease.

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?

Firstly, it’s important to know what the disease is and how it can affect you. Gum disease is commonly defined as an infection of bacteria involving your gums, tissues around your teeth, and the structures of your teeth. It is the chronic inflammation of your gums and teeth and can spread the longer you have it. It can affect you by causing bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, bone structure loss, and make your teeth loose or fall out. The disease is sometimes called gingivitis or periodontal disease, which are various forms of gum disease.

HOW CAN SAN ANTONIO PATIENTS PREVENT IT?

When it comes to this type of infection, the best way to help prevent it is to identify it early. Certain symptoms appear in the early stages of the disease. At San Antonio, KRK Implant Center has come up with a list of signs to look out for:

• Bad breath or taste
• Swollen or bleeding gums (red in color)
• Painful to chew or eat food
• Sensitivity in your teeth
• Teeth that feel loose

These are all red flags that you may have a form of gum disease. Although some of these can seem mild or less severe, they are warning signs that you may have an infection. Some people might not pay attention to have bad breath or slight bleeding in their gums, but it is a very serious problem. The reason that this is important is because catching the disease in its earliest stages is a lot easier to treat than trying to fix the problem later on. In San Antonio, periodontist Dr. Krueger can examine your teeth and identify if any symptoms you may be showing are putting you at risk for gum disease. Some people may feel that they can diagnose themselves, but the only way to know for sure is to see a periodontist and get confirmation.

HOW A PERIODONTIST CAN HELP?

Periodontists are specially trained when it comes to gum disease. The primary difference between a general dentist and a periodontist is that specialists like Dr. Krueger have received advanced training and education in preventing and treating gum disease. Because of his experience with San Antonio patients, Dr. Krueger can easily identify whether or not you have the disease, are at risk for the disease, or help you stay on track to avoid getting gum disease. Remember, it’s important not to ignore warning signs and to keep your dental health in check. It’s always better to catch something early than to wait for the condition to get worse.

If you want to get a check up for gum disease, contact KRK Implant Center at 210.826.3946. Dr. Krueger will help assist you with any questions you may have and can help schedule an appointment today.