What are the signs of gum disease?
Gum disease treatment poulsbo is a progressive infection of oral tissues that starts in the gums and works its way into the bones that surround and compose up your teeth. While it is a very common oral ailment, affecting over half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States and an even greater number of those above the age of 70, gum disease is also a serious malady that should be treated as such. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to other serious health problems; some studies have even linked it to heart disease and stroke! In the early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis, though, when the bacteria present in the plaque and tartar allowed to build up on one’s teeth begins to infect the surrounding gums, a simple trip to your dentist’s office and a thorough cleaning may be all you need to reverse gum disease and fend off further trouble.
For this reason, it is very important to see your dentist as soon as you become aware of any of the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Left untreated, it can and will progress to further stages, including periodontitis and advanced periodontitis; in these later stages, steps can be taken to prevent the disease from progressing further, but it cannot be reversed. In some cases, when the infection has become prevalent, teeth may have to be removed. If you think you may be experiencing the beginnings of gum disease, don’t delay – call your dentist and make an appointment to be evaluated.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
The initial stages of gum disease may not present any symptoms at all, which is why it is important to note any signs that you become aware of. These could be not just the signs of gum disease beginning, but of it progressing. Some of the early signs of gum disease include sore, swollen gums that may bleed easily, such as during regular brushing or flossing. You might also notice a bad taste or smell in your mouth, which is from the bacteria that causes the infection.
What are the signs of gum disease as it continues to progress?
As gum disease progresses from simple gingivitis to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, the symptoms will continue to escalate in severity, as well. At these stages of gum disease, you may notice increased tooth pain and swelling of the gums, places where the gums have started to recede and/or pull away from the teeth, an ever-present bad taste or smell in the mouth, and even drainage from infected areas and loose teeth where pockets of infection have been allowed to grow. These are signs of a serious infection that should be evaluated and treated immediately.
How can I prevent gum disease?
While gum disease is common, it doesn’t have to be in the cards for you. Practicing good oral hygiene – brushing properly twice a day and flossing daily – are two ways you can fend off the beginnings of gum disease. Proper brushing and flossing removes the thin film of bacteria called plaque that eventually hardens into tartar, which then sticks stubbornly to your teeth and allows the bacteria present within it to infect the surrounding tissues. Sticking to a schedule of twice-yearly dental visits is also a good way to keep gum disease at bay, as the cleaning that your dental hygienist performs is able to remove any hardened calculus that has become stuck to your teeth. Between visits, simply take note of any signs and symptoms of gum disease – if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, call your dentist so that she or he can intervene while it can still be reversed.
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