Most individuals are curious about their mouth and how gum disease can affect them. Getting answers should come from your dentist. Knowing what to ask your dentist can help you for your next dental visit.

Here are some general answers to these questions. Use these answers as a springboard for the conversation you will be having with your dentist.

What is my risk for developing gum disease?

To discover if you are at risk for gum disease ask yourself if your gums ever bleed? Do you have any loose teeth? Look in the mirror and see if your gums are receding or do your teeth look longer? Do your smoke or use tobacco products? Has it been longer than two years since a dentist has seen you? How often do you floss? Do you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, high levels of stress, osteoporosis, osteopenia? Have any of your family members been diagnosed with gum disease? Take the answers to these questions to your dentist and you will find out what your gum disease risk factor is.

Is there a connection between tobacco smoking and gum disease? Smokers are more likely to have calculus on their teeth, or have deeper pockets between their teeth and gums and as a result lose more of the bone and tissue needed to support their teeth.

Is gum disease genetic? There may be a genetic factor in gum disease and research also shows that the bacteria found in saliva can be passed from family members.

How do I avoid gum disease?

The best way to avoid gum disease is to see your dentist on a regular basis, and to practice good dental hygiene.

What can I do to treat gum disease?

Your dentist will go over the treatment options with you. He/she is obligated to use the most non-invasive procedures to treat gum disease which may include non-surgical procedures.

Is gum disease harmful to a pregnant woman?

Research has linked gum disease with preterm birth, which may result in low-birth weight babies. Pregnant women need to seek dental care prior to becoming pregnant if possible or soon after discovering they are pregnant.

Is there an age at which, I can stop worrying about gum disease?

Gum disease can strike at any age. The risk actually increases with age. Factors that can contribute to gum disease are not necessarily age related but these factors tend to increase with age. Factors for gum disease include: a diminished immune status, certain medications, depression, decreased flow of saliva, lower financial status.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

If you notice the following symptoms, you should seek dental care:

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss them.

You notice that your gums seem to have pulled away from your teeth.

You have persistent bad breath

You see pus in between your teeth and gums

You have loose teeth

These and any other questions you may have about gum disease should be discussed with your dental care professional. Information about gum disease can help you to have healthier teeth and gums.