Reno Dentists Help You Recognize and Prevent Gum Disease

If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious problems for your mouth and can even result in multiple lost teeth. With such devastating consequences, it is important that patients are informed about the symptoms, causes, and best preventive measures that relate to gum disease. Your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans, have, therefore, put together the following information.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can have several symptoms based on how far the disease has progressed. If you notice any of the following symptoms contact your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans.

• Puffy or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• The development of pockets between teeth and gums
• Shifting or loose teeth
• Lingering bad breath
• Receding gums

What Causes Gum Disease?

A large part of understanding how to prevent gum disease is learning about how the disease originates in the mouth. Gum disease is caused by bad bacteria that make their way beneath the gum line, where they can begin to do damage to vital structures that support teeth. Accordingly, gum disease often begins with the presence of bacteria on teeth near the gum line. If these bacteria find their way beneath the gums, they can inflame the gums (gingivitis) and will often linger and progress into a more damaging form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Potentially devastating to the mouth, periodontitis attacks the ligaments and tissues that support teeth. As these vital structures decay, teeth can loosen and begin to shift, and eventually they may fall out altogether.

Preventing Gum Disease

Because bacteria are responsible for gum disease, prevention should focus on keeping teeth clear of bacteria. To do just that, you should brush your teeth 2-3 times per day, paying special attention to the gum line. You should also floss daily and attend dental cleanings every six months.

Schedule a Visit with Your Reno Dentists

Regular dental visits can help keep your teeth clean and prevent gum disease. To schedule an appointment with your Reno dentists, Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans, contact our 89502 dentist office at 775-829-7700. We are proud to serve patients in Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and surrounding communities.