What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease has a tendency to sneak up on people—especially without regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. In order to avoid the progression of gum disease, it’s important to know what signs to look out for. Below are signs of gum disease, the various stages, and more information about periodontal disease.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
The most common symptoms of gum disease that you can look out for include:
- Bleeding Gums
- Swollen Gums
- Red Gums
- Pus
- Receding Gum Lines
- Bad Taste in Your Mouth
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
While the occasional bleeding gums or bad breath are normal, ongoing issues (especially in tandem with other issues) should get checked out. The more severe symptoms (like loose teeth) should be addressed as soon as possible.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
There are a few main stages of gum (periodontal) disease. These include:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and most treatable stage of gum disease. It is a relatively common issue that many patients suffer from at some point in their lives. At the very earliest stages, a regular professional cleaning and at-home care may be enough. With that said, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to help with gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the stage of periodontal disease in which the disease becomes extremely serious. At this point, the plaque and tartar beneath the gum line have led to gum recession and/or bone loss. Management is key at this point, and your dentist will perform a scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to help slow the progression of periodontitis. If caught early enough, no severe damage will occur.
Advanced Periodontitis
If periodontitis is not addressed, it will only get worse—never better. Advanced periodontitis is the stage in which symptoms become severe. This may include aggressive recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It is imperative to get treatment at this stage.
How Do I Avoid Periodontal Disease?
There are a few things that you can do to avoid gum disease. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing, rinsing your mouth, eating a clean diet, and visiting your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. These preventative steps should help to avoid periodontal disease altogether. With that said, it may still sneak up on you. This makes routine examinations imperative.
Reach Out Today
Have you started noticing the symptoms of gum disease? If so, you should reach out today to schedule an appointment. A dentist will take a look at your teeth and gums to determine whether or not you are suffering from gum disease. From there, they will decide on the best course of action to protect your oral health.
We look forward to meeting with you and helping you to achieve your oral health goals.
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