What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
You may have noticed some recent changes with your gums that have made you concerned. If your gums aren’t looking or feeling normal, or if they are bleeding or showing other signs that something is wrong, you may be suffering from gum disease.
Below is more about gum disease, including the stages, symptoms, treatments, and more.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also known as “periodontal disease) is an oral health condition in which the gums become infected and inflamed. This can lead to some major problems with not just the gums over time, but also a patient’s overall oral health.
Here are the stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. This stage is treatable and is not a major cause for concern in and of itself. Often, gingivitis will be treated with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), then proper at-home oral care. If properly treated in a timely fashion, it should reverse.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the stage in which gum disease becomes irreversible. At this stage, a patient may experience receding gums and even bone loss. While periodontitis involves irreparable damage, it isn’t the end of the world. If caught early enough, the condition can be treated and managed. Many patients don’t even notice a difference in their oral health after treatment. With that said, it is important to stay diligent after treatment for early periodontitis.
Advanced Periodontitis
At this stage, major issues are occurring. This may include teeth getting loose and even falling out. Advanced periodontitis needs to be managed immediately to prevent the condition from continuing to worsen. With proper intervention, conditions can be minimized, and more advanced treatment options can be considered.
What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
The earlier you catch gum disease, the better. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Red and Swollen Gums
- Bad Breath
- Bleeding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- Pus
- Receding Gum Lines
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination. While it may not be an emergency, it is still a good idea to see your dentist between regular cleanings so the underlying cause of the symptoms can be diagnosed and addressed.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
In order to prevent gum disease, you’ll want to take care of your teeth and gums. This means brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing. You’ll also want to avoid unhealthy foods. Finally, you’ll need to see your dentist at a minimum of every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup.
Contact Us
Are you experiencing the symptoms of gum disease? If so, reach out today to schedule an appointment for an examination. We’ll take a look at your teeth and gums to determine the underlying condition. From there, we will put a treatment plan in place to meet your needs.
We look forward to meeting with you and providing you with the treatment you need.
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