Understanding the Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is underdiagnosed and often overlooked. Initial symptoms, such as swollen gums, sporadic bleeding during brushing or flossing, and the slow recession of gum tissue, are commonly dismissed or underestimated in their seriousness. Yet, these symptoms indicate incremental damage occurring beneath the visible oral landscape, likely leading to extensive, costly dental surgeries down the road due to bone loss and critical damage to tooth structure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) underscore the prevalence of this condition; more than half of US adult males have periodontal disease and 11.5% suffer from severe periodontitis, in which case surgery is likely already needed! Even in these cases, treatment is often delayed, necessitating additional costly and invasive operations.

The minor severity of the initial symptoms means gum disease is easy to ignore. Even general dentists often fail to diagnose gum disease when preventive care is still viable. This is why we have a gum disease epidemic. And, it is important to take gum disease seriously because oral health affects the whole body.

Periodontal disease turns your mouth into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and this leads to other illnesses. Gum disease is often a precursor to heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications (pre-term birth and low birth weight), arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and respiratory infections.

Dr. Kelner is committed to an approach that emphasizes early detection and patient education, coupled with individualized preventative and restorative care strategies. Our team, proficient and empathetic, is at the forefront of addressing this nuanced health challenge.

Dr. Kelner specializes in the treatment of gum disease and is an experienced, board-certified periodontist. When you visit Kelner Periodontics, she will properly assess the critical indicators of deeper oral health pathologies and help treat the underlying problems to restore your oral health and avoid more serious complications.