Is your mouth trying to warn you that you might have periodontal disease?

According to the CDC, about half of Americans are suffering from some form of gum disease, an inflammatory disorder that can lead to tooth and bone loss. What makes gum disease so scary is that you may not even know that you have it. Of course, there are some warning signs to look out for that should send you visiting our Old Bridge, NJ dentist Dr. Anthony Vitale and periodontist Dr. Jin Yoo right away.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

• Chronic bad breath
• Red, tender or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed, particularly when eating, brushing or flossing
• Chewing that is painful
• Loose teeth
• Receding gum line

These symptoms could be a sign of gum disease or another serious dental issue, so it’s important that you get checked by our Old Bridge general dentist.

Who is at risk for developing gum disease?

While gum disease can happen to anyone, symptoms of this disease don’t usually manifest until a person is in their 30s or 40s. Men are also more likely than women to develop gum disease. Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause; pregnancy)
• Diabetes
• Cancer treatments
• Medications that reduce the production of saliva
• Genetics

What can I expect during my dental visit?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above it’s important that you see us as soon as possible. When you come in we will discuss your medical history and determine if there are any risk factors that predispose you to gum disease. We will also examine your mouth to check for gum inflammation and other symptoms. We will use a small instrument known as a probe that will help to measure pockets within your gums to see if they are in the healthy range or if they show signs of gum disease.

In some cases, x-rays may also be taken to check for bone loss. If we do find that you have gum disease there are a number of ways to treat this condition, depending on the severity of your disorder. The most common treatment option is root planing and scaling, in which we go in and remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line and at the roots of the teeth.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease it’s important that you turn to Personal Choice Dental in Old Bridge, NJ to get the treatment you need. The sooner you seek dental care the better. We are here for you!