Gum Disease Are You at Risk?

Gum Disease—Are You at Risk?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s often painless and symptoms may not appear until the disease is in an advanced stage.[1]

However, some gum diseases, like Gingivitis—the mildest form of gum disease—are reversible with professional treatment and good oral care.[2]

Do you know what to look for? Warning signs of gum disease include:

· Red, swollen or tender gums

· Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard food

· Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth

· A change in the fit of dentures or the way teeth fit together

· Loose or separated teeth

· Persistent bad breath[3]

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your dentist. To learn more about the impacts of gum disease, see the attached flier.

American Academy of Periodontology. CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease. Accessed January 15, 2015. http://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

2 WebMD®. What is gum disease? Accessed January 15, 2015. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/gum-disease-topic-overview.

3 American Academy of Periodontology. Gum Disease Symptoms. Accessed January 15, 2015. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.html.

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