Gingivitis, or gum disease, is a major oral health problem. If untreated, it may weaken your gums so they can no longer support your teeth. Unfortunately, so many people have periodontal disease, making it the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Preventive dental care and early addressing issues are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. You can lower the risk of losing teeth and bone density by practicing preventative dentistry and getting treatment early on. Working with a reliable dentist like Eric R Koch, DDS, ensures your oral health is not compromised.
Knowing the early indications of gum disease may help you obtain treatment sooner. Look out for the following:
Bleeding gums
Gingivitis, characterized by gums that are sensitive to the touch and appear red, is an early indicator of periodontal disease. Gingivitis symptoms include bleeding, which is often disregarded since it is mistaken for the consequence of vigorous brushing or flossing. While gingivitis is always present before gum disease, it is not necessarily a precursor to it. Regular visits to the dentist may stop gum disease in its tracks by eliminating any lingering germs.
Pain and sensitivity
Experiencing discomfort when your gums are touched or when you drink anything cold might indicate a problem. If a cold drink causes you to wince, visit your dentist.
Bad breath
Bad breath is caused by plaque and germs that have built up on your teeth. Envision a massive buildup of similarly odorous microorganisms along your gum line. No matter how often you clean your teeth, it will create bad breath. Bad breath can only be fixed with the intervention of a dentist, often by scaling and root planing (deep cleaning).
Your gums are red, swollen, or puffy
Inflammation of the gums, shown by redness, puffiness, and possible swelling, is a common early symptom of gum disease. Unfortunately, there is no generally accepted color or appearance of gums. Some individuals are born with darker, pinker, or redder gums than average.
Dentists often miss this warning indicator. Knowing whether your gum color or look deviates from the usual is important. You should tell your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms so they can track your progress and start you on a treatment plan for gum disease’s earliest stages.
Receding gums
Gum recession is another possible symptom of gum disease. When the gums pull away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth and even the root, this is known as gum recession. It might provide the impression of longer teeth and increase sensitivity to sweet and cold foods. When gums recede, it creates more space between teeth for bacteria to thrive.
The germs that cause periodontal disease may spread throughout the body and harm more than just your teeth if left untreated. There are connections between respiratory problems, arthritis, heart disease, diabetic complications, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene is the greatest defense against gum disease. This greatly aided the successful treatment of gum disease and prevention of the condition. Schedule an appointment with Advanced Dental Care of East Texas to keep your oral health in top shape.
