What Is Gum Disease?
It’s likely that you’ve heard of gum disease, but you may not be entirely sure what it is, what it looks like, and what problems a person with gum disease may face. Below is information about gum disease to ensure early treatment and, ideally, prevention.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also known as “periodontal disease”) is an infection and inflammation of the gums. There are a few different stages of gum disease, which include:
Gingivitis
This stage of gum disease is generally easily treatable. Many dentists will recommend a scaling and root planing procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. Your gums can then heal and should become normal over time.
Periodontitis
Once gum disease reaches the periodontitis stage, there are serious issues. There is permanent damage at this point, and the condition will only get worse if untreated. The good news is that often periodontitis can be managed, and a patient may not experience any major side effects after treatment.
Advanced Periodontitis
Once a patient’s gums have reached the advanced periodontitis stage, irreparable damage has occurred that is major. A patient may experience receding gums, loose teeth, and even teeth falling out. At this point, extraction may even be required. No matter how the issue is treated, some damage will be left that can’t be fully treated.
What Should I Look for?
There are a few telltale signs that you can look out for to help determine if you have gum disease. Some symptoms include:
- Redness of the Gums
- Swelling of the Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Gum Recession
- Bad Breath
- Loose Teeth
If you are experiencing these symptoms, set an appointment with your dentist. They will be able to perform a thorough examination to better determine if you have gum disease. From there, a treatment plan can be put in place.
Reach Out Today
If you believe you are suffering from gum disease, reach out today to set an appointment. Our dentist will take a look at your gums to determine their health. If you are suffering from gum disease, they will determine the severity of the issue and then put together a treatment plan.
If you have not visited the dentist in a while, it’s extremely important to get an appointment in the books. Ongoing care will help to catch any symptoms of gum disease early and prevent its progression.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, reach out to our office for an examination. We can take a look and see what the underlying problem is, and determine whether or not you are suffering from gum disease.
We look forward to meeting with you and helping you to achieve your long-term oral health goals.
Related Article: How Do I Cure Gum Disease?