You know we’re always happy to see you at Gregory Liss, DDS. We think of you as part of our extended family, so we’re truly concerned when we see patients with periodontal disease, what we usually call “gum disease.”

When gum disease is in its early stages, you might not even be aware that there’s a problem. In that case, your gum disease may go untreated and progressively get worse. If that happens, your gums are harder to treat, and your teeth and overall health can be at serious risk.

What Is Gum Disease?

If you read or hear anything about gum disease, you probably run across different terms that all sound like the same thing. Let’s start with some of the basics.

• Periodontal disease and gum disease are the same thing. It’s an infection of the gums, the tissues that are holding your teeth in place.
• Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. This is when you might not spot the symptoms yourself. Your gums could start to become red and swollen, and may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. You may think some bleeding is natural when you’re cleaning your teeth—not true! It’s one of the first signs that you should call our dental office in Little Falls for a checkup and to have us assess the health of your gums.
• Periodontitis occurs when the dental plaque that forms on your teeth begins to spread below the gum line. The bacteria in plaque irritate your gums, cause inflammation, and that’s when the gum tissue can break down. This can cause loose teeth, or even the loss of one or more teeth.

According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking is the #1 risk factor for gum disease. In fact, if you use tobacco it makes treatment more difficult. It’s never too late to quit!

Healthy teeth and gums are important building blocks for good overall health and well-being. They’re one of our first priorities when you’re here for checkups. If you’re due for a regular visit, or have any questions or concerns, why not give call our Little Falls dental office at 855-466-6608 to schedule a visit.