Gum disease is an oral infection found in nearly half of adults aged 30 years and older. If left untreated, the condition can cause serious oral health problems. Due to how prevalent this condition is in both men and women, annual oral exams with a dentist are recommended to ensure you have a healthy mouth. Take a look at what else you should know about gum disease. 

An Overview of Gum Disease

What increases your risk of having gum disease?

Gum disease is exacerbated primarily by poor oral hygiene: not brushing, flossing, or going to annual dentist appointments. This disease has also been linked to smoking, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, age, and taking certain medications. 

How can you tell if you have gum disease?

The only way to diagnose this condition is by visiting a dentist and having an oral exam. However, your gums may appear swollen and have a darker color. You may also notice receding gums that expose more of your teeth. Your gums may feel tender to the touch and bleed easily when you brush and floss.

Can gum disease cause other health issues in your body?

Gum disease and poor oral health are often a result of dangerous bacteria. This bacteria can enter your bloodstream through the gums, causing it to spread to other parts of your body. For this reason, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, arthritis, ulcers, and heart disease.

How can you treat gum disease?

Gum disease is treated through a dental procedure called scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque buildup and smoothing down teeth. A newer procedure involves laser dentistry, a modern treatment that uses a laser to remove inflamed gum tissue. After treatment, you'll need to continue daily brushing and flossing and visit the dentist twice a year for teeth cleaning.

Make sure you have healthy teeth and gums with an oral exam from The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry in Whitefish, MT. This laser dentistry uses modern technology and equipment to ensure their patients receive top-quality dental services. Their laser treatments reduce discomfort during and after procedures and cause faster healing and recovery. This technology can be used to remove decay, perform root canals, whiten teeth, create dental implants, and treat periodontal disease. You can learn more about dental lasers on their website, or call (406) 862-1010 to schedule an appointment.