Did you know that gum disease is one of the most common oral diseases? In fact, virtually 75% of all Americans are affected by gum disease to some degree at some point in their life! Gum disease is the infection of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, essentially the gums, teeth and jawbone, that can ultimately lead to tooth loss or a spread of infection to other parts of your body. Research has even linked gum disease to other systemic health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. If you believe you may be affected by gum disease in The Woodlands, TX, seeing a skilled periodontist can help cleanse your mouth and get you back to ideal health!
QUIZ: Are You At Risk of Gum Disease?
Periodontist Dr. Gayle Bradshaw of Bradshaw Periodontics has created a simple quiz to help determine if you are at risk of gum disease. Read the ten questions below and answer with a yes or a no. Then, see your results below!
- Do you smoke or use tobacco?
- Do your gums bleed?
- Do you have constant bad breath?
- Are your gums receding or pulling away from your teeth?
- Do your teeth feel loose or has your bite shifted?
- Do you brush your teeth only once a day or less?
- Do you avoid or forget to floss your teeth daily?
- Do you have Diabetes?
- Have you been diagnosed with signs or symptoms of heart disease?
- Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis?
Quiz Results
If you said ‘yes’ to ANY of the above questions you may be at risk of developing gum disease in the near future. Count up your number of ‘yes’ results and compare it to the chart below.
1-3 – Try to cut out some bad oral hygiene habits and you can likely turn your chances of developing gum disease around.
4-6 – Seeing a periodontist or gum disease specialists is recommended as you show several signs and symptoms of gum disease.
7-10 – Schedule a consultation with a periodontist or gum disease specialist right away! You may have gum disease that could progress to advanced periodontitis!
What You Can Do
If you’ve shown signs or symptoms of gum disease, seeking a skilled provider right away can keep you healthy. There are many treatment options for gum disease, including osseous surgery, gingivectomies, and even minimally invasive laser gum disease therapy. If you have any questions or would like to discuss treatment with an experienced periodontist, contact Dr. Bradshaw as soon as possible.
Get Your Check Up Today!
If you would like to schedule a gum disease appointment with Dr. Bradshaw, you are encouraged to call the office at 281-419-4655 today!