Many individuals who take care of their bodies assume their oral health is good as well.
However, gum health is not always guided by the same principles as your overall wellness. We often encounter physically active, health-conscious patients that demonstrate early signs of gum disease. The surprising part of this is that the early signs of gum disease can present themselves with no symptoms, and in some cases exhibit little or no pain.
That’s why many people are now searching for a “gum specialist near me”, not because something feels wrong, but to gain a better understanding of what is occurring below the surface.
What is Silent Gum Disease?
The early stages of gum disease can develop with or without physical signs of pain. Although referred to as “silent gum disease,” gum disease proceeds without any obvious discomfort.
Gum disease will begin with the build-up of plaque along the gum line, and if this plaque is not removed properly, it will ultimately lead to the development of an infection and inflammation of the gums.
There are several factors that make gum disease silent, including-
- There may be little or no pain.
- Occasional or very limited bleeding that resolves quickly.
- Gums appear very healthy in appearance.
For these reasons, many patients that are unaware they require to see a “gum specialist near me” present at a point where the gum disease has progressed.
Why Fitness Doesn’t Guarantee Gum Health
Many people believe that because they have no visible signs of gum disease, they don’t have any problems with their gums. However, many people will develop problems with their gums over time, even though they maintain a healthy lifestyle and are physically fit.
Some of the possible reasons why healthy people may still develop gum problems are-
Plaque and Bacteria Build-Up
Regardless of how healthy your diet is, you will still have plaque on your teeth on a daily basis. If you don’t brush and floss enough to remove plaque buildup on your teeth, it can contribute to the bacteria affecting your gums.
Genetics
Many people are genetically pre-disposed to developing gum disease even if they have a healthy lifestyle.
Stress and Immune Response
Just because you are physically fit doesn’t mean that you aren’t stressed out. Stress can deplete your immune system, which makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infection in your gums.
Teeth Grinding
Many people who are active or physically fit will grind their teeth while they sleep. The pressure of grinding on the gums and surrounding structures can cause damage to them.
These factors can explain why healthy individuals may require seeing a gum specialist.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Ignored?
When gum disease is not treated early, it can progress to a more serious stage called periodontitis.
At this point-
- Gums may pull away from the teeth.
- Bone supporting the teeth may weaken.
- Teeth may become loose.
Because of the slow nature of paranormality, most patients are not aware of it until significant amounts of damage have occurred.
Regular trips to the dentist who specializes in gum diseases can assist you in identifying gum disease at an earlier stage and aiding you in preventing complications.
Changing the Way We Think About Oral Health
A lot of people tend to see oral health mainly as a problem that has visible symptoms such as cavities and toothaches. In fact, gum health can also cause issues and there may not be obvious signs that you have a problem with your gums.
The belief that there is no problem if there is no pain is not very accurate in this case.
At Clove Dental Riverpark we promote a proactive approach to gum health, and if you are looking for a gum specialist near you, you should consider your options for evaluating and improving your gum health before a real problem develops.
Final Thoughts
Being physically fit and concerned about your overall health is an excellent way to set the stage for healthy gums; however, being physically fit does not guarantee you will be safe from developing gum disease. While you may be physically fit, you can still develop significant problems with your gums, and these problems can often develop for some time without displaying any visible signs.
If you are aware of small signs of a problem and see your dentist regularly, your gum will continue to be healthy.
If you are concerned that your gums are as healthy as the rest of your body, then maybe now is a good time for you to consult a gum specialist. If you have received early treatment, your smile will remain strong and healthy for a long time.