Top Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an extremely common disease that affects around 47% of adults over the age of thirty. Its frequency doesn’t diminish its seriousness, however, as it can destroy the gums and lead to tooth loss. In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal disease is also associated with heart disease and diabetes – two very serious conditions.
Who Is At Risk?
There are a couple of factors that contribute to whether someone is more at risk than others, and these risk factors include genetics, obesity, bad oral hygiene, and habits like smoking. The truth is, though, that anyone can experience gum disease, which means understanding the warning signs is imperative.
On top of that, you should also find American dental care that is passionate about your oral health. Here at BAF dentistry, we provide dentistry services that help keep your teeth both healthy and attractive, and fighting gum disease is a part of that process.
To make sure gum disease is never left untreated, familiarize yourself with these top signs and seek treatment if you experience any of them.
Spitting Blood When Brushing Teeth
It’s funny – people don’t usually ignore a bleeding hand, arm, or cheek, but bleeding gums often go left untreated. If you bleed easily when brushing, however, there is a high chance you have gum disease and you need to seek treatment as soon as possible. Seeing red in your sink after spitting isn’t something to turn away from!
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues, with one of them being gum disease. You can’t know for sure if that is the culprit until you visit your dentist. It’s important to go to your dentist whenever you experience tooth pain, even if you don’t think it’s gum disease, as it means there’s an underlying issue that will only get worse with time if left untreated.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the more embarrassing signs of gum disease. You might notice your own bad breath by breathing into your hand, or someone you know may confide in you that your breath has changed and that it might be time to see a dentist. If gum disease is the root of the issue, then don’t worry, as treating it will help you get back to that minty-fresh breath in no time.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease, but it is particularly mild. Nevertheless, it’s a sign that your gum disease could progress into something more serious – untreated gingivitis will lead to periodontitis. To prevent this from happening, you must seek treatment during the early stage by going to your dentist and prioritizing better oral hygiene. A professional cleaning can help with this.
Wobbly Teeth
Noticing that your teeth are wobbly isn’t exactly comforting unless you are seven years old and eager to meet the tooth fairy. If you notice that one or a few of your teeth move a little more than usual, then you might have gum disease. If a tooth is particularly loose, then you may have had the disease for a while and require quick treatment; otherwise, you might experience tooth loss.
Tooth Loss
One of the more upsetting signs of gum disease, and one that can seriously harm a person’s confidence, is tooth loss. At this point, periodontitis has been there for a long time, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t solutions. With the right dental treatment, you can treat your gum disease and find a solution to your tooth loss with a false tooth, which will help you feel yourself again.
Tender or Swollen Gums
Another common sign of gum disease is tender and swollen gums. So, if you notice gum inflammation or pain in that area, it’s best to book a dental appointment and get it sorted sooner rather than later. Remember – the gums support the teeth, so they’re just as important to look after.
Space Between Teeth
Your gums and teeth are made up of tissue and bone – if they start to wear down, you will notice space between your teeth that weren’t there before. Bone loss is not something to ignore, so consider the fact you may be experiencing gum disease and be sure to visit your dentist to get to the root cause of the problem.
Receding Gums
If your gum line is further back than usual, then you may have experienced a loss of gum tissue, which is a sign of gum disease and means you must visit your dentist as soon as possible. It’s not just an aesthetic issue – left untreated, your receding gums may get worth and result in the loss of teeth as well as pain.
How to Prevent Gum Disease?
If you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, then count yourself lucky and be sure to prevent periodontitis in your day-to-day life.
Look After Your Teeth and Gums
Looking after your teeth and gums from home isn’t difficult. By brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly, you help prevent gum disease while improving your oral health all around. Remember to get a toothpaste that removes plaque, as too much buildup will cause issues.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
A regular appointment at your dentist is a great way to reduce your chances of getting gum disease. Plus, if you ever experience gum disease, your dentist will likely pick up on that early on, making treatment far easier.
Cut the Bad Habits
Some bad habits such as smoking and drinking can seriously increase your risk of developing gum disease. To prevent this, work on cutting out those bad habits. It’s not easy, but the rewards from ending those habits are endless.
Know the Signs
Knowing the signs is particularly important, as early treatment is always better than late treatment. So, keep these signs of gum disease in mind, and be sure to get your teeth checked out if you experience even just one of them. If you have any more questions concerning gum disease or oral health in general, contact BAF dentistry today.