When many people think of dental health, they immediately think about teeth. While teeth are the stars of the mouth, you should never make the mistake of overlooking the health of your gums. Sadly, gum disease is a relatively common problem that afflicts many people, and it should be no surprise that if you have recently been diagnosed with this condition, you may need a few questions answered. 

Is Gum Disease Considered A Major Dental Problem?

Gum disease is a chronic medical condition that will gradually worsen if it is not treated. In addition to causing pain, this condition can also result in the loss of your teeth. This occurs because the gums will recede until the tooth is no longer properly supported, and this will cause them to fall out. Due to this risk, gum disease should be treated as a serious threat, and you should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist if you suspect you are developing this condition. 

What Are The Symptoms Of This Disease?

It can be difficult to diagnose gum disease without visiting a medical professional, but there are warning signs that can alert you to the possibility that you have this condition. In particular, it is not uncommon for the gums to bleed after being brushed, eating or randomly throughout the day. In addition to bleeding, gum disease can also be characterized by increased sensitivity of your teeth. 

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The treatment for gum disease will largely be determined by the severity of the condition. When this disease is treated early, it can often be corrected with nothing more than extra brushing and prescription mouthwash. Unfortunately, many people do not seek treatment for this condition until it has reached an advanced stage. 

When gum disease becomes advanced and starts causing tooth loss, your treatment will become far more intensive. For example, it is not uncommon for a gum graft to be needed. This procedure moves healthy gum from one area of your mouth to the damaged area. After a few weeks, the graft will be fully bonded with the patient's mouth, and this can reverse the symptoms and complications of this disease. 

Gum disease has the potential to ruin your smile and result in intense pain. Sadly, some individuals do not understand this condition, and this can cause them to fail to appreciate the severity of the disease or the treatments for it. Understanding these questions and answers and regularly visiting a dentist, such as Family Dental, will help you protect your mouth from the ravages of gum disease.