6 Warning Signs of Gum Disease
When you visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, your teeth aren’t the only thing the dental team is examining. Because healthy gums are an important component of overall oral health, they require care as well. Your gums support the structure of your teeth, and gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone degradation, and other health issues, including cardiovascular problems. By checking your gums, your dentist can catch gum disease in the early stages so that it can be treated. You can also keep your gums healthy by paying attention to these warning signs of gum disease:
- Redness, inflammation, and puffiness
- Bleeding that happens when you brush or floss
- A receding gumline
- Bad breath
- The feeling that your teeth are moving
- Teeth that are sensitive to heat and cold
If you have any of these symptoms, does that mean it’s too late to regain your oral health? Not at all. To prevent gum disease, schedule regular dental appointments so that the dentist can catch even minor signs like slight gum recession. The dentist will also perform dental x-rays to check for damage to teeth or roots. You can also learn to manage your stress, cut back on sugary drinks and foods, and practice good oral hygiene. Talk to your dentist about proper gum care and discuss any medication changes.
As gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, it creates inflammation around the teeth. The gums pull away from the teeth and form areas of infection called deep pockets. Plaque spreads and grows below the gum line, and bacterial contaminants begin to break down the bone and tissue holding your teeth in place. However, even if you have severe gum disease, your dentist can help. At the dental office, the team can perform scaling and root cleaning, in order to clean these deep pockets, removing microbes and tartar stuck to the roots of your teeth. Sometimes, the dentist will refer you to a periodontist or prescribe antibiotics to address bacterial infection. Ultimately, the dental team can work with you to help preserve your healthy, pink gums.
If you’re ready to find a team committed to your beautiful smile and healthy gums, Belmont Dental Group is ready to meet you! We cover all kinds of dental care, going beyond basic teeth cleaning to include services from periodontics to cosmetic dentistry to emergency care, and we believe in helping our patients be partners in their own dental health. Call our dental office today at (617) 484-2431 or contact us through our website for a consultation.