What your periodontist in Albuquerque wants you to know
It’s easy for you to ignore your gums, but if you do, you can develop gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can 
cause you to lose your teeth and your smile. The good news is, you can prevent gum disease, but first you have to recognize it. Dr. Petra Mayer in Albuquerque, NM wants to help you know the common signs of gum disease and how to treat it.
You may only notice a little bleeding at first when you brush and floss. You may be thinking you should stop brushing and flossing, but just the opposite is true. When your gums bleed, that means they are inflamed or infected by bacteria and you should brush and floss MORE not less.
The plaque in your mouth contains millions of harmful bacteria which can destroy the soft and hard tissues of your mouth, your gums, bone and teeth. By brushing and flossing regularly, you are removing the plaque and bacteria before they can damage your smile.
So, bleeding is a very common sign of gum disease, but there are others, including:
- Red, irritated gum tissue
- Swollen, puffy gum tissue
- Feeling pain when you brush, floss or eat
- Chronic bad breath and a sour taste in your mouth
Gum disease (periodontal disease) can be prevented by:
- Brushing after meals and before bed
- Flossing at least once each day
- Having your mouth examined for gum/periodontal disease including x-rays at least yearly
- Having professional dental cleanings at least every six months, if not more frequently
If you don’t treat gum/periodontal disease, there is a good chance it will progress to the supporting bone of your teeth. The bone around your teeth begins to disintegrate from harmful plaque bacteria, resulting in loose teeth, or lost teeth. Periodontal disease cannot be reversed, only managed. Once you have periodontal disease, aggressive treatment is necessary to manage the disease.
Your smile doesn’t have to suffer from gum or periodontal disease. If you think you might have gum disease, it’s time to call Dr. Mayer in Albuquerque, NM. Early treatment means a better outcome for you, so call today!