Like many diseases that form in our bodies, gum disease begins silently and without obvious symptoms. When symptoms do emerge, it often means that the disease is well underway. Some symptoms may not appear until at an advanced stage. However, any warning signs of gum disease should prompt you to seek immediate treatment. Gum disease will only worsen, and eventually result in tooth loss without treatment.

Signs of periodontal disease include:
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or when chewing rigorously
Sores in your mouth
Persistent bad breath
Receded gums that reveal darker areas of teeth or that cause teeth to look longer
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between your gums and teeth
A change in your bite when teeth are together
A change in how partial dentures fit

The web site of the American Academy of Periodontology offers an online risk assessment test. This will help you gauge your at-risk level for having or developing gum disease. Visit: www.perio.org to take the test or call our office at (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation and exam.

Remember, periodontal disease is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loss. Act now to avoid further damage to your smile.

According to findings published in the Journal of Periodontology, many women report increased inflammation and discomfort of the gums associated with their menstrual cycle.
Symptoms include feeling a slight burning sensation in gums, gums that bleed easily with minor irritation, redness of the gums, mouth ulcers and general pain and discomfort in the gums.
In this study, researchers compared the gingival and periodontal status of premenopausal women between ages 20 – 50 at different times in their menstrual cycles. They found that gingival inflammation was lower during menstruation than during ovulation and premenstruation, which may be attributed to hormonal peaks and drops.
While it’s not known if these transitional changes could have lasting negative effects on gum health, women in this age bracket are encouraged to relay symptoms experienced on a cyclical basis, including any prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken.

It’s not unusual to see new patients who have developed periodontal (gum) disease because they haven’t been to a dentist for years – some, for over a decade. Quite a few have avoided dental care due to having a fear associated with dentistry. This is often the result of a traumatic past experience in a dental chair, and frequently experienced as a child. Their fears are deep-rooted and, just like shivering in the cold, something they cannot control.

My first goal is to help these individuals have the treatment they need. We begin with a conversation that allows them to share their fears and concerns. I am committed to the comfort and safety of my patients at every visit and reassure them that they can always stop me if they feel anything or just want to take a break during treatment.

Many of these patients prefer to add oral sedation to their treatment. This is in pill form and taken prior to arrival at our office. Once here, they are in a relaxed state. We begin treatment only when the patient is totally relaxed. While patients are in such a relaxed state, they are not aware of any portion of the procedure, often until it’s completed and we arouse them.

Oral sedation leaves little or no memory of the procedure afterwards and recovery is quick. It is also safe, although we make sure you are monitored throughout the procedure. Some patients return home for a brief nap, but most feel rested and refreshed after several hours.

My next goal is to help this patient become confident in my care, enough so that he or she will eventually overcome their dental fears. Ideally, we want them to see that dental care is a positive part of their overall health, which it is!

I occasionally have patients who, after experiencing the relaxed feeling of Oral Sedation, tell me they no longer need it. This is music to my ears, since it indicates that this person now feels comfortable and confident in our hands!

Your first step to a healthy mouth begins with a friendly phone call. Call us at (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. This will be just a conversation to begin with, and then you can decide how to proceed. And, please know you will not be judged for your fears or delay of dental care. We are here to help you, and you will be respected regardless of your individual situation.

The American Dental Association (ADA) reported results of a national survey that revealed the smile outranks eyes, hair and body as the most attractive physical feature. However, the survey also revealed that men and women differ when it comes to the care of their teeth and gums. The survey of Americans ages 18 and older found 86% of females brush their teeth twice or more a day compared to only 66% of males.

Sadly, all Americans need to do a better job of flossing teeth. Just half of those surveyed (49%) say they floss daily. And, 1 out of 3 surveyed think that blood in the sink after brushing is normal and were unaware this is a sign of periodontal (gum) disease.

Oral health is an important part of overall health, for men just as much as for women. Regular dental check-ups are important, not only to treat gum disease and cavities, but because some diseases or medical conditions, such as oral cancer, have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in over a year (whether you’re male or female!), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation and discuss treatment to restore your mouth to a healthy state.