Signs of Gum Disease

According to a recent study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of adults in the United States over the age of 30 currently have gum disease. For this reason, it is important to familiarize yourself with gum disease symptoms so you are able to seek dental care in order to prevent gum disease from occurring or developing.

Fortunately, there are some common signs that you may be experiencing gum disease. One of the dangers of identifying gum disease, however, is that symptoms are slight or unnoticeable in the early stages. If your dentist has identified that gum disease has formed, they will provide you with some helpful advice on preventing the disease from developing further.

Aside from scheduling regular appointments, the best thing you can do is practice good oral health practices and be mindful of common symptoms associated with gum disease. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to see if you currently have gum disease:

• Bleeding after brushing or flossing
• Persistent halitosis or bad taste in mouth
• Loose tooth or teeth
• Red, tender, or swollen gums
• Changes in fit of bite
• Pockets between gums and teeth
• Sensitive gums
• Receding gums
• Change in fit of bite
• Loose or loosening teeth
• Change in fit of dentures

One of the most important things to understand about gum disease is that it goes through a series of stages. The early stages of gum disease are reversible, however later stages can result in irrevocable risks to your oral health. For this reason, it is important that you continue to schedule dental appointments every six months so you can be proactive in addressing issues before they develop.

The earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, occurs when there is a buildup of plaque that allows for bacteria to form and an infection in your gums to develop. When this occurs, you will likely notice mild irritation along the gumline, as well as mild bleeding when you brush and/or floss your teeth. While these symptoms may seem minor, if left unchecked long enough they can develop into periodontitis.

What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Gum Disease?

Provided your treatment is successful, your gums should remain in good health, provided you continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. Continue to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily, paying particular attention to always brush before you go to bed. It is also a good idea to use a fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, as doing so provides added protection against tooth decay and much needed protection for your teeth. It is also important that you continue visiting your dentist twice a year. Practicing good every day habits is crucial to maintaining good oral health, but visiting your dentist will allow them to remove calculus and address potential issues before they become real problems.