What are gum disease symptoms?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States have gum disease in newark ohio. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have it. Being familiar with the symptoms of gum disease can help ensure you can quickly receive the proper care if you are affected. Prevention of the progression of gum disease is critical.

Gum Disease Warning Signs

Several symptoms can help alert patients of the potential presence of gum disease. For patients with any of the symptoms outlined below, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can determine if you have gum disease, how far it has progressed and your treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

Gum disease is often painless, especially in the early stages. As a result, it is important to understand the symptoms:

• Bleeding gums during brushing and/or flossing
• Gums which are swollen, red or tender
• Receding gums which pull away from the tooth
• Persistent bad breath and/or a bad taste in mouth
• Teeth becoming loose
• Change in the way the teeth fit together
• Change in the fit of partial dentures
• Pus surrounding the teeth and gums
• Sharp or dull pain when chewing
• Overly sensitive teeth to hot or cold temperatures

Cause

The bacteria found in plaque causes gum disease. Plaque is a sticky and colorless film which constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden and eventually turn into tartar. Dental plaque will also continue to form on the tartar. A professional cleaning from a dentist is required to remove the plaque as regular brushing and flossing will not remove it.

If it is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque will turn into tartar. The tartar becomes rough and leads to additional build-up of plaque. The plaque bacteria can also infect your gums and teeth. In extreme cases, the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth can also be impacted. There are three different stages of gum disease as it progresses:

1. Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease. This stage includes the inflammation of the gums, which is caused by dental plaque buildup. There may be redness or swelling of the gums or bleeding while brushing and flossing. During the early stage, gum disease can be reversed as the bone and connective tissue which hold the teeth in place are not yet impacted.
2. Periodontitis: During the second stage, the bone and fibers which hold the teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. The gums start to form a pocket under the gum line, which encourages penetration and the growth of plaque below the gum line. Professional periodontal therapy and improved personal oral hygiene can typically aid in preventing additional damage to the tissue and bone.
3. Advanced Periodontitis: This advanced stage of gum disease destroys the fibers and bone of your teeth. This can result in shifting or loose teeth. This can also affect your bite, eating and talking. If aggressive periodontal therapy is not able to preserve the teeth, they may need to be removed. Your dentist can provide options for teeth that are removed as a result of periodontal disease.

Prevention

You can help prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene. It is important to brush and floss daily in order to remove the harmful bacteria. Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations. For patients with gum disease, the treatment can include a deep cleaning below the gum line or a prescription anti-microbial mouth rinse. When the gum disease progresses to periodontal disease, you will need to schedule an appointment with a periodontist or gum specialist.

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