Periodontist Article

Be on the Lookout for These Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Okay, so we all learned at an early age how important good dental care is, properly brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis, but how many of us as adults always keep our own dental care as a top priority? Sure, we make certain that our children brush their teeth and floss, and that they see the dentist, but many of us rarely take the time to care for ourselves as we should, which can often cause problems, if we don’t change our ways sooner rather than later. Did you know that out of all of the adults in the United States, more than half of us suffer from gum disease, and that most of us may not even realize that we have a problem? Another startling fact, or at least for me, is that in close to two-thirds of all the adult cases of tooth loss that occur, gum disease is to blame! So, if you don’t care for yourself as you should, now is the time to start! Don’t lose your teeth if you don’t have to! There is nothing that will make you feel old faster than having to get dentures, I can guarantee you that!

The best way to prevent gum disease is with great dental care, but you should also familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of gum disease, so you can spot them when and if they do occur, and seek prompt dental care, hopefully preventing any further damage or tooth loss. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and most often people who have gingivitis notice that their gums bleed when they brush their teeth, and that they feel sore and tender, more so than normal. The gums may appear red or dark in color, instead of the bright, healthy pink that you are used to seeing. You may notice that your gums seem puffy or swollen, and that they are more sensitive than before. If you notice any of these problems, you should seek dental care, as it is likely that you have the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. With good dental care, you can prevent any further damage from occurring, if you act at this point.

If you start noticing that your gums seem to be receding, if you suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath no matter what you do, if your teeth feel lose or you can wiggle them around with your tongue, if you feel as though your teeth have changed positions in your mouth, or if you notice any signs of infection, then you could have the more advanced stage of gingivitis, known as periodontitis, which can lead to bone erosion and tooth loss. So, you should definitely seek immediate dental care, so that you can keep your teeth and prevent any further damage.

When you visit the dentist, let him know about the symptoms that you have been experiencing, and that you are concerned about gum disease. Your dentist will do a complete exam, and then give you a diagnosis and care plan that can help prevent gum disease, or prevent it from getting any worse if you do in fact already have it.

Remember, your best defense against gum disease is good dental care, which includes regular dental checkups!