IDENTIFYING SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE

Before you can identify signs for gum disease it’s best to know what it is and therefore what you should be looking for. It progresses in stages and it’s advantageous to catch it early so it can be treated and quickly reversed.

What is gum disease?

At any given moment each one of us might have between 100 and 200 different species of bacteria in our mouth at one time. This bacteria then sits on surfaces in the mouth such as teeth or gums. To break it down even further, if you practice good oral hygiene you have between 1,000 and 100,000 bacteria living on each tooth surface at once. If you do not brush regularly that number can skyrocket to over 100 million bacteria on a tooth at one time. Bacteria is at the core of tooth decay and gum disease. When bacteria remains it will stick to the tooth and turn into plaque. If the plaque is not removed it will turn into tartar. Both of these cause gum disease. There are three stages of gum disease. The first is called gingivitis and can be reversed. This is when that build up on your teeth starts to infect your gums. The second stage is simply when it progresses and is called periodontitis. The final stage is advanced periodontitis. Gum disease can be painless so it is important to watch for the signs and symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

If you brush your teeth and your toothbrush comes out with a pink tinge you need to schedule a dental appointment. Some early signs are if your gums are swollen, red in color, if they are becoming tender to the touch and of course if they start bleeding. The next sign is if the gums start receding or moving away from the tooth. A good symptom that can be easily picked up on is if you have persistent bad breath or if a bad taste seems to linger in your mouth. A loose tooth is a big sign and of course if you see visible pus surrounding the teeth you certainly might have gum disease. Again, there is no pain with the onset of gum disease. Only discomfort with the tenderness. Look in the mirror occasionally, smile big and examine your gums.

Prevention is the best medicine

Even though you exercise the suggested good habits of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, the best form of prevention is to see your dentist twice a year. After the dentist has done a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, captured a few x-rays to see what’s going on below the surface, a professional teeth cleaning is the next step in well-rounded oral hygiene. The dentist or hygienist can remove the plaque that may be building up below the gum line on the tooth that you can’t see or reach with your brush. The best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it altogether.

Mobile's West Mobile Dental Care is an advanced general and cosmetic dentist that can help you with most stages of your gum disease issues. Contact our office today to find out more.

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