4 Alarming Signs That You Have Gum Disease (And What to Do About It)
Gum disease—a common problem.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, might just be more common than you think. Gum disease can begin as mild inflammation of the gums, but if left untreated, it can overtake the surrounding tissues and bones. But your teeth aren’t the only things at risk when it comes to periodontitis—it can also affect your overall health. Bone loss, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are all possibilities if gum disease is left untreated for too long.
As you can imagine, it’s important to recognize the signs before gum disease has a chance to spread. Prevention is always the best option!
What is gum disease?
More than likely, you’ve heard of gum disease. But what actually is it? Gum disease is a major infection in the gums, typically created by a lack of brushing or flossing. When the plaque on your teeth is allowed to harden, this allows the bacteria to spread from that hard shell into the gums below. This can start to show itself through bleeding gums but, if left to progress, can eventually lead to tooth loss.
There are different stages of gum disease. First comes gingivitis, which is where the bacteria have reached the gum line, and the swelling becomes apparent. You might first notice this if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, as mentioned earlier. Thankfully, this stage is completely reversible with some TLC. Give us a call and we can take care of the buildup with a cleaning and some oral health tips
Early periodontitis is the second stage. One of the signs of this is when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, which allows the bacteria to damage the exposed tooth.
The third stage is moderate periodontitis, which is when discomfort and pain typically set in. The gums continue to recede, and the affected teeth are further compromised.
The final stage is advanced periodontitis. As the infection continues to spread under the gums, abscesses begin to form, which can be a serious health risk and need professional attention.
4 Alarming Signs of Gum Disease
Sometimes, life happens. Stress settles into your life, and habits tend to slip. This can increase the chances of gum disease. So what signs should you watch for?
- Watch for any blood while you are flossing or brushing your teeth. This could be a sign of gingivitis.
- Keep an eye out for receding gums as well, as that could be a sign of a later stage of gum disease.
- If you have persistent bad breath, that could also be a sign that something is going on beneath the surface.
- If you have noticed your teeth growing loose, or even shifting around, it’s a major sign that something is amiss.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to give us a call so we can address the problem before it gets any worse.
What to do if you notice these signs.
If you notice any changes in your oral health, such as bleeding or red gums, the first step should be to fill in any gaps in your oral hygiene routine. If you have been under a lot of stress recently, it could have led to you not always brushing and flossing twice a day for two minutes each time. The next step should be to get an appointment with your dentist—sometimes treatment can be as simple as a thorough dental cleaning. Regardless of what is going on, it’s always better to get the problem addressed before it has a chance to get worse.
Prevention and Maintenance
As with any problem in life, prevention is the best option, but sometimes life happens, despite our best efforts. It’s important to keep up with your regular brushing and flossing routine, as that is the first step to preventing gum disease. Keep those regular dental checkups too, as they are a good way for your dentist to monitor your oral health and catch things before they have a chance to get out of control.
Maintaining a healthy diet can also help with gum health. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals go a long way to promoting bone health and keeping your gums healthy. Smoking is also a habit that has a severe impact on your gum health; in fact, people who smoke are at a higher risk of gum disease.
Prevention is key to maintaining a happy and healthy smile.
Sure, life happens and can mess with even the best-laid plans. Thankfully, gum disease is preventable—especially if you know what to watch for. It’s important to be proactive with your own oral health and take action when it is necessary. Keep up those regular dental cleanings as they help address any issues before they become full-fledged problems. But remember, even if you are showing signs of gum disease, it isn’t too late to get help. You might be surprised what our team can do to help you out! Schedule a visit today and keep your smile shining bright.
