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!