Don’t Let Gum Disease Ruin Your Mistletoe Moments in Charlottesville

Whether it’s a quick peck on the cheek or something more special, don’t let chronic bad breath ruin your holiday kisses. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be temporary, like “garlic breath.” But if you’re getting signals that your breath is consistently offensive, this could be a symptom of something more serious, such as a periodontal disease like gingivitis or periodontitis. You’ve probably heard of both of these dental diseases, but what are they, and what are their symptoms? And most important, how do we treat gum disease in Charlottesville??

Gingivitis is an inflammation of your gums, which can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation has spread to the underlying tissues and bones that support your teeth. If the bacterial plaque that causes most periodontal disease is left untreated, you could suffer the loss of your teeth, as well complicate more serious health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Recent studies have validated what we have observed for a long time—that gum disease in diabetic patients can contribute to elevated post-prandial and fasting blood glucose, making it more difficult to manage your blood sugars.

When caught early, the solutions for periodontal disease can be as simple as more attention to brushing and flossing. We may recommend other therapies to remove bacterial plaque, or we may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in periodontal diseases.

Please contact us at our Charlottesville dental office if you notice any symptoms of gum disease. We’re a family dental practice, offering services for both children and adults in the Charlottesville, Ivy, Crozet, and Earlysville areas.