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Be on the Lookout for Early Signs of Gum Disease

Keeping your gums healthy could reduce your risk of more serious health problems.

It’s important that we start talking about gum disease. After all, with gum disease increasing your risk for severe COVID-19 complications, it’s now more important than ever that you provide your gums with the proper care they need to stay healthy. Wondering how you’ll be able to tell whether you have gum disease? It’s time to turn to your Newmarket, ON, dentist Dr. Richard Lee-Shanok if you notice these warning signs:

  • Tender gums
  • Red, puffy and inflamed gums
  • Gums that easily bleed when brushing and flossing
  • A receding gumline
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity
  • Feeling like your teeth fit together differently

It’s important to recognize that you could have gum disease and not experience these symptoms, particularly in the very beginning. This is why you shouldn’t skip out on visiting your Newmarket, ON, family dentist for your biannual cleanings. After all, you might think that your gums are fine, but you could have the beginning stages of gum disease. Since catching gum disease early means that we may be able to reverse it, it’s in your best interest to have our dental team examine your gums at least twice a year during your routine cleanings.

What causes gum disease?

Poor hygiene is one of the biggest reasons gum disease develops. If you allow plaque to build up along the gum line and you don’t brush and floss it away, the plaque will harden into tartar. Over time, this buildup can irritate and infect the gums. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene is imperative to maintaining healthy gums.

Of course, there are other factors that can also increase your risk for gum disease. These risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause; pregnancy)
  • Poor nutrition
  • Compromised immune system

If you experience any changes in your gums, it’s a good idea to turn to our Newmarket, ON family dentist as soon as possible. We can detect and treat gum disease early to prevent more serious oral health problems from happening to you. Call Dr. Lee-Shanok of Newmarket Dentistry today at (905) 830-1010 to schedule an appointment.

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