Do your gums bleed when brushing?
Do they appear red or swollen?
These are a couple of the common signs and symptoms of gum disease. Approximately 75% of adults will experience gum disease in their lifetime and Dr. Caves, a family dentist in Columbus, educates his patients on the common signs during regular preventive care visits, which also provide the opportunity for him to spot gum disease in its early stage- known as gingivitis.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease:
- Sore gums
- Receding gums
- Loose Teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Changes in the fit of dentures
- Persistent bad breath
Often called the “silent disease”, many patients do not realize they have gum disease until it has begun to cause additional dental health problems: gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults! Visiting Dr. Caves twice per year for regular dental cleanings and exams is paramount to keeping gum disease at bay and maintaining optimal oral health. Dr. Caves can treat gum disease conservatively when it is caught early. When left untreated, gum disease may require more complex restorative treatments in order to restore oral health. These visits also enable Dr. Caves and his staff to educate their patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques: aggressive brushing can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.
For patients who have gum disease that has progressed, Dr. Caves offers several treatment options for periodontal therapy, including laser dentistry. Laser treatments offer patients more accurate and less painful procedures for the treatment of soft tissues such as the gums. With the use of the laser, Dr. Caves is able to offer his Columbus dental patients treatment without surgery!
Dr. Caves may recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing: this provides a deep cleaning of all surfaces of the teeth and gum line, including the deep pockets of the gum.
If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, schedule a visit with Dr. Caves and begin to restore your oral health!