Do you understand the true threat that gum disease poses to your oral and overall health? Dr. Buck and Dr. Burton of Distinctive Smiles wants you to truly appreciate how healthy gums keep the rest of your body healthy and the signs of when your gum health starts to deteriorate. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of gum disease so that you can seek therapeutic treatments from your dentist in Dublin to help improve your oral health. We’re happy to explain the symptoms of gum disease and how we can help you get your dental health back on track.
Do you have gum disease?
If your gums feel a little more sensitive than normal, it may be helpful to both your oral and overall health to ask yourself these questions:
- Are your gums red and swollen?
- Are your gums tender during your dental hygiene routine?
- Do you notice blood—even a little—while you’re brushing or flossing?
- Have you noticed puss along your gum line or between your teeth?
- Do your permanent teeth feel loose?
- Are your gums starting to recede and show the roots of your teeth?
- Do you see pockets or bulges along your gum line?
- Do you have bad breath no matter what you do?
What are the stages of gum disease?
If you answered yes to any of those questions above, we recommend that you review the stages of gum disease so you know where you stand. This will make it easier to communicate with your family dentist in Dublin about the type of treatment you believe you may need.
Healthy Gums
Firm, pink gums should not bleed when you take care of your mouth at home. They also shouldn’t bleed when either of our Lincoln dentists cleans them.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is likely to present when you notice red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed at home. There is a potential loss of gum tissue with gingivitis, but in most cases, your jawbone still stays healthy.
Early Periodontal Disease
Your red, swollen gums will continue to bleed every time you brush and floss. Your gums will start to form pockets between teeth and start receding from your teeth. A film of bacteria will sit on top of your teeth and will eat away at your jawbone density. This makes it possible for teeth to become loose and potentially fall out.
Advanced Periodontal Disease
You will experience heavy bleeding when you try to brush and floss your teeth. You will notice severe gum recession and your teeth will feel extremely loose. Significant deconstruction of your jawbone will occur and cause shifts in your smile from loose teeth.
Schedule an Appointment with Distinctive Smiles ASAP!
After reading this article, did you start to contemplate your oral health more than ever? Gum disease should be treated in its earliest stages to revitalize the health of your gums. If it’s ignored, it will only get worse. Contact us today if you’d like either Dr. Buck or Dr. Burton to check and clean your teeth and gums during a scheduled appointment.