Gum disease not only affects over 75% of patients at some point in their lives, it remains a leading cause of tooth loss in adults today. Known as the “silent disease”, gum disease often goes unnoticed until the patient comes in for a visit to our Louisville, KY dental office or it has advanced to periodontitis and is affecting the health of the teeth.
Dr. Westermann offers periodontal therapy and screens patients for gum disease during every routine preventive care visit to look for the early warning signs:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Consistent bad breath
Early detection is key to preventing gum disease. This short video from the American Dental Association talks about the common signs of gum disease and what to expect during a periodontal screening with your dentist.
Maintaining healthy gums is important for healthy teeth. Advanced gum disease can affect the tooth roots and destroy gum tissue that supports your teeth. Visiting Dr. Westermann twice a year for routine dental care provides the opportunity for she and her staff to spot early signs of gum disease and recommend conservative treatment. When caught early, at home oral hygiene is often effective and can prevent progression of the disease.