"Me? No, I don't have gum disease. Nothing hurts. My gums are OK."
Could be, of course. Everyone doesn't have gum disease.
Lots of people do, though. And unless they are in a relationship with a good dental office, they probably don't know it.
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are my patient. And if you are, then you know all about gum disease because we have taught you all about it and keep doing it at all your evaluations.
Great. But still, 70% of Americans show some signs of gum disease, ranging from simple mild gingivitis to really serious advanced disease with loose teeth, pus, bad breath, and pain.
And it all starts with not knowing that gum disease is an infectious disease like any other infection and that it starts sneakily, painlessly and with no drama. And it progresses because the early signs happen without the person knowing that they are actually signs. And then, it gets to the place where the person can't help knowing that something is wrong.
And then, finally, I get a chance to help. And help we can.
Knowledge is power. You should learn about gum disease. You can start here: http://www.drsteveross.com/gum-disease-library.html
You can keep your teeth. You do not have to be a victim of this common infectious disease.
And by the way, gum disease is linked to all kinds of more general problems, like heart disease, a variety of cancers, low birth weight babies and more.
