Important Facts About Gum Disease

In this blog, we explain some little known facts about gum disease and how having the right dental insurance policy can help you maintain a good looking smile.

Gum Disease & Tooth Loss

Gum disease affects more than just your gums, in fact, it can actually cause you to lose your teeth as well. The gum disease known as periodontitis can cause adults of all ages to lose their teeth. It is important to take steps to ensure your gums are strong. Starting this at a young age can help a person maintain the strength of their teeth as they age.

The best, and most obvious, way to reduce the odds of gum disease is to brush and floss every day, in addition to seeing a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Regularly visiting your dental hygienist and dentist can increase the chances of gum disease being spotted before your teeth become loose and start falling out.

Once you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it is crucial for you to receive the appropriate treatments. Leaving it untreated can result in losing your teeth and the gum disease progressing to other areas of your mouth.

Gum Disease Can Affect Unborn Children

Studies have revealed that that there might be a link between a pregnant woman’s oral health and the health of her unborn baby. Pregnant women diagnosed with gum disease have an increased risk of delivering their baby prematurely. Pregnant women suffering from gum disease might also give birth to under-weight babies. Both premature birth and low birth weight can contribute to other health problems in newborn children.

Experts recommend pregnant women see their dentist during their pregnancy to look for early signs of gingivitis that might cause other health problems.

Other things to know about gum disease include:

• It could be a silent disease without obvious symptoms. Dentists believe that many people have gum disease without even realizing it.
• Gum disease is considered an inflammatory ailment. Identifying it sooner can help make the necessary treatments easier to endure.
• Gum disease can deteriorate both the hard and soft structures that support your teeth.
• The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This occurs when your gums become red and swollen due to bacteria.
• If you don’t address gingivitis, it can turn into periodontitis, a condition that causes your gums to separate from your teeth. Periodontitis can damage gum tissue and bone which ultimately leads to tooth loss.

Get Dental Insurance Today

At Insurance Specialists, Inc., we offer a variety of dental insurance policies that can fit the needs of you and your family. As we discussed in this blog, it is important to maintain the integrity of your teeth. Having dental insurance can play a crucial role in being able to access quality dental services. Let us help you today.