Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions there is. It’s estimated that around 50% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease to some extent, which means that everyone could consider their risk of developing it.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and if you want to manage it well you should try hard to catch the condition early. Here are some signs you should watch out for, and what you should do if you think that the condition could be affecting you.
Signs of Gum Disease
As was mentioned, gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. While some more advanced forms of the condition can lead to serious symptoms, like tooth loss, you’re unlikely to see that at this stage.
Instead, here are some of the most common forms of gum disease that you may want to look out for:
- Puffy, swollen gums
- Red discoloration along the gum line
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Tenderness
Why You Should Catch it Early
Gum disease is degenerative, meaning that it only gets worse with time if left untreated. While symptoms may initially be mild, you could wind up with the sort of gum disease that attacks bone tissue if you do nothing.
At a certain point, gum disease also ceases to be reversible, only manageable. That means that if the disease progresses far enough, you’ll always have to deal with the symptoms listed above, or worse.
For that reason, it’s vitally important that you have a dentist help you with even mild gum disease.
Treating & Preventing Gum Disease
If you believe you may have gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to give you a deep cleaning around the gumline to clear away any plaque or tartar buildup. They may also give you antibiotics if the infection is serious.
Once that’s done, you should do what you can to protect your teeth from bacteria flourishing. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to break up plaque deposits. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your smile shining as long as possible!
About Our Practice
At Smile More Dentistry, we want you to know that you’re welcome at our practice. From our comfortable reception area to our dedicated dental team, we know how to make even the most anxious patients feel completely at ease at every step of treatment. Whether you’re coming to us for a routine checkup or complex restorations, we’re happy to be able to get you the care that you deserve!
If you have any questions about gum disease, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (845) 675-1512.