Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease can do severe damage to not just your gums, but also your teeth and jawbone. Luckily, though, there are a lot of signs that you can look out for to catch periodontal disease before it becomes worse.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) Is caused by plaque building up at and below the gum line, which leads to inflammation of the gums. As the bacteria continues to build up, more and more damage can be caused to a patient’s oral health. Because of this, it is extremely important to visit a dentist if any signs of gum disease emerge.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

In order to stop gum disease in its early stages, it’s important to look out for the signs of gum disease. By brushing and flossing regularly, you’ll be able to notice these signs, and set an appointment with your dentist. Some things to look out for include:

• Bleeding Gums
• Discoloration of the Gums
• Swollen Gums
• Loose Teeth
• Gums Receding from the Gum Line
• Bad Breath
• Pus
• An Odd Taste in the Mouth

As periodontal disease becomes worse, the signs become more present. It’s important to see your dentist as soon as you begin to notice changes in your gums. Do not wait until your teeth become loose! If you are able to get to the dentist before the disease worsens, you’ll likely only need a cleaning or a deep cleaning. If the disease becomes worse, surgery or even tooth extraction may be necessary.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning (or scaling and root planing) is a common treatment for mild gum disease (also known as gingivitis). By properly clearing away plaque and tartar below the gum line, your dentist will help to heal the gums, and remove the bacteria causing the disease.

Prevention

In order to prevent gum disease, or to prevent it from coming back, it’s extremely important that you take good care of your oral health. This includes brushing, flossing and rinsing the mouth at least twice a day. It also means visiting your dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning every six months. If you do so, you should be able to avoid gum disease entirely. Still, if gum disease does occur, taking these steps will mitigate any damage—allowing you to avoid any surgery or tooth extractions.

When Is Your Next Cleaning?

If you don’t already have a regular checkup and cleaning scheduled, make sure to call your dentist and schedule one today. You should be visiting your dentist every six months for a regular cleaning. If you are unsure about how long it’s been since your last cleaning, call your general dentist.

By checking for signs of gum disease and taking proper care of your oral health, you can avoid gum disease entirely—or at least catch it early on. Brush, floss, wash and visit the dentist to avoid gingivitis, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.