What are Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease, clinically known as periodontal disease, is one of the biggest oral health problems faced by adults around the world. What many people do not realize is that gum disease can be easily prevented with the right daily oral hygiene habits and can even be reversed if identified and treated early enough. Below, we provide more details on what gum disease is, some tips to help you avoid it, and some signs to look for if you think you may have it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the development of a bacterial infection in the gums and tissue supporting the teeth. There are several stages of gum disease. In the earliest stages, the gums appear tender and inflamed. If left untreated and allowed to progress, more advanced stages of gum disease may lead to gum recession and eventually loosening of the teeth. Research studies have connected untreated gum disease to more serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Early on in its development, gum disease may present without symptoms. However, as it progresses, there are common signs and symptoms you can look for. Common symptoms include:
- Sensitive gums that are red and inflamed
- Bleeding caused by brushing or flossing
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Frequent bad breath
- Changes to the bite
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with your dental provider. Because gum disease can go undetected without symptoms, it’s especially important to maintain regular dental visits and cleanings.
What Causes Gum Disease?
When the teeth aren’t properly cleaned daily, a sticky substance called plaque can begin to build up on the teeth near the gums. Plaque contains different kinds of bacteria that will eventually cause the gums to become irritated, inflamed, and infected.
Besides poor or inconsistent daily hygiene, other factors that contribute to gum disease risk include:
- Poor diet high in sugar
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Periods of hormone changes, like pregnancy
- High stress
If you think you may be at increased risk for developing gum disease, it is worthwhile to consider focusing on your daily dental hygiene and scheduling a visit with your dental provider to discuss your risk and possible solutions.
How Can I Treat Gum Disease?
If your provider confirms that you have developed gum disease, the proper treatment will be determined based on how advanced the infection is. Early-stage gum disease can be treated with good dental hygiene to help prevent the buildup of more plaque. Many providers will suggest a thorough professional cleaning to remove the existing plaque that has hardened into tartar. For individuals with more extensive plaque and tartar buildup, a provider may suggest deep cleaning with a scaling and root planing procedure. More advanced and untreated gum disease may require advanced treatments to remove damaged gum tissue or help prevent bone loss.