Do your gums bleed when brushing? Have you noticed a change in their appearance: receding, red or swollen?

You may have gum disease– a dental health issue that will affect approximately 75% of adults at some point in their lives! Often called the “silent disease” by dentists, many patients do not realize they have it until it leads to more complex oral health problems: gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

During regular preventive care visits, the dentists of Creekside Dentistry in Amherst, NY, take the time to thoroughly evaluate a patient’s teeth and gums, looking for the early warning signs of gum disease. When caught in its early stage, also known as gingivitis, gum disease responds well to conservative treatment. Dr. Neuhaus and his staff at Creekside educate their dental patients on the importance of good oral hygiene, and will demonstrate effective brushing and flossing to help them maintain oral health between visits.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease:

• Red, swollen or sore gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Changes in the fit of dentures

Dr. Neuhaus offers a variety of treatment options for gum disease, depending on the severity and condition of a patient’s oral health. Dr. Neuhaus will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of a patient’s gum disease before recommending treatment to ensure that they experience long lasting results.

Although plaque is the most common cause of gum disease, some patients may also be suffering from TMJ dysfunction which can also lead to developing gum disease due to tooth grinding. Pregnant women may experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes and should take care to brush effectively without irritating the gums.

If you have noticed any of the above mentioned signs of gum disease, contact Dr. Neuhaus at Creekside to schedule an appointment- when left untreated gum disease can become a major dental problem.