How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gum Disease Amherst NY Do your gums bleed during your oral hygiene routine?

Bleeding gums is usually a symptom of gum disease. Bleeding gums is an indication that bacteria has reached the gum line, causing irritation and tenderness in the soft tissue. Gum disease is a serious oral health concern that should be addressed by a trained dentist as soon as possible.

Amherst dentists Dr. Karl Neuhaus and Dr. Walter Neuhaus offer a full range of conservative, comprehensive dentistry services. Our team at Creekside Dentistry are committed to improving patient smiles through patient education and preventive dental care.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Understanding the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help you get the dental care you need. However, the best way to identify if you have developed gum disease is to visit Creekside Dentistry in Amherst, NY. During your visit to our Amherst dental office, Drs. Neuhaus and Neuhaus will screen the teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease.

If you do notice any signs of gum disease, please visit Creekside Dentistry for a gum disease screening:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Shifting teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Receding gum line
  • Tooth sensitivity

Gum disease is the leading oral health concern contributing to adult tooth loss. Scheduling regular visits to the dentist can help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.

What Happens If I Leave Gum Disease Untreated?

When gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to shifting teeth. In more advanced cases of gum disease, it can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can also lead to premature sagging of the face because as gum disease progresses, the bone that supports the jaw begins to deteriorate.

Recent studies have shown that gum disease may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

How Do I Treat Gum Disease?

Regular visits to our Amherst dental office allows our team to screen your teeth and gums for complex dental issues. When gum disease is caught early, we can provide conservative methods to treat the gums and teeth. The longer gum disease is left untreated, the more likely more advanced actions will need to be taken to restore health to your teeth and gums.

Preventive dentistry is a great defense in the fight against gum disease. Visit Creekside Dentistry every six months for a routine dental exam. If gum disease is suspected, Drs. Neuhaus and Neuhaus will develop a treatment plan to address your dental concerns. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, gum surgery, laser dentistry, and periodontal therapy methods.