Gum Disease is Riskier than You May Think

Over the past year, we have had to change the way we think about our daily lives. Parts of our day that we took for granted, such as running to the store for a quick errand, are now a little more complicated with the added steps of mask wearing, standing 6 feet apart and sanitizing after leaving the store. However there is one part of your daily routine that should not have changed – your oral hygiene routine. We hope that through all of the life changes over the past year you have maintained brushing and flossing your teeth. We also hope that you have still been visiting our office for your routine hygiene examinations. You might think that we are concerned about the possibility of tooth decay, and you would be right. Except, there is another threat to your oral health that we are equally concerned about. This threat could possibly cause additional risk if you were to contract COVID-19. Continue reading to learn more.

Gum Disease

Of course we are concerned about tooth decay when we talk about your oral health, but we are equally concerned about the development of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection and inflammation caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth. While it is preventable with proper dental care, almost half of American adults are unknowingly suffering from some form of this silent disease. During your routine hygiene examination, we check your gums to look for any indication that this disease is developing. 

Those who suffer from gum disease are more susceptible to inflammation of the gums and also throughout the body. This is particularly worrisome for patients who contract COVID-19, as complications to the disease can arise from inflammation in the body. COVID-19 positive patients who also suffer from gum disease have an increased risk of hospitalization, yet another reason to be diligent with your oral health, especially during this time. 

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is known as a silent disease because there are no major red flags to indicate a problem, such as extreme discomfort as seen with a cavity or other form of tooth decay. There are minor signs that you might notice that could signal a potential issue:

• Gums that bleed easily or appear puffy or swollen
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Spaces developing between teeth
• Gums that are pulling away from teeth

If you are located in the Fort Lee, NJ area and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or are concerned about the state of your gums, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We also would love to hear from you if you have not visited our office for a routine hygiene examination within the past 6 months. We are here to keep you safe and your mouth free from potential problems. We look forward to seeing you soon.