What are signs of gum disease?

Gum disease in newark ohio typically progresses in various stages. The early stages of the disease are reversible and the later stages can present a serious risk to your oral health and teeth. Routine dental visits are critical to ensure the health of your gums is monitored and help your dentist look for any early symptoms of the disease.

Gum Disease Signs

Some of the early signs are minor and don’t necessarily raise any red flags, while other symptoms are concerning and can indicate a clear problem. During the initial signs of gum disease, your dentist will provide you with instructions for preventing the issue and stopping it in its tracks. Be sure to look for these early signs of gum disease and follow up with your dentist as soon as possible if any of the symptoms are present.

The beginning stage of gum disease, which is also called gingivitis, is reversible. It occurs when the buildup of plaque allows bacteria to infect your gums. There may be a slight irritation along your gumline, in addition to bleeding when brushing or flossing the teeth. Many people assume these symptoms are a result of having a sensitive mouth or from brushing too harshly. This is an oversight that these symptoms may be due to a more serious oral health problem.

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.

Prevention

While practicing good oral hygiene through proper brushing and flossing at home can help keep gum disease at bay, regular dental visits are critical to remove the harmful plaque and to prevent gingivitis. Be sure to gently brush your upper and lower teeth at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline while using short strokes against the teeth and gumline. Use the tip of the brush in order to reach behind each front tooth, both on the top and bottom of the mouth. The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. It is also important to floss daily to remove any debris stuck between your teeth. Rinse your mouth well to remove excess food particles and bacteria. Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and examination.

The signs of gum disease may sneak up on you, however, if you notice any if these changes in your mouth, follow up with your dentist immediately.

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