Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

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Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease where the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth experiences inflammation. Gingivitis results from poor dental and oral hygiene and is a mild variety of gum diseases.

 

If you have gingivitis, your gums are the only affected part of your mouth. Periodontitis develops when gingivitis stays for long. The infection moves below your gumline into your bone. Periodontitis is an advanced kind of gum disease and can cause adverse damage. 

 

Causes of Gum Disease


 

Gums go deeper than what our eyes see. The lower point is a space called the sulcus. Gingivitis or gum infection can occur when plaque and food get trapped in that space. Plaque is the thin bacteria film that forms on your teeth' surface. If plaque stays long enough to advance, it becomes hard and grows to become tartar. Infection can develop when plaque spreads below your gumline.

 

Untreated gingivitis causes your gums to separate from your teeth. The separation happens because of the injury caused between the soft tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Your teeth become unstable and loose. Advanced infection can progress to teeth loss.

 

Signs and Symptoms 


 

You may not be aware that you have gum disease. You can experience gum disease without noticing any of the accompanying symptoms. However, you can also experience symptoms such as:

 

  • Bad breath that does not go away after brushing your teeth
     

  • Chewing pain
     

  • Teeth sensitivity
     

  • Pus found between gums and teeth
     

  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth
     

  • Swollen, tender, and red gums
     

  • Receding gums
     

  • Loose teeth
     

  • A difference in how teeth fit together when biting

     

Gum Disease Diagnosis


 

During the examination, your dentist will probe your gums using a small ruler to check for inflammation. By doing so, your dental hygienist will also check for any pockets surrounding your teeth.

 

A depth of between one and three millimeters is okay. An X-ray to check the status of your bone is ideal. Once your dentist gives the diagnosis, treatment is based on the status of your oral health.

 

Treatment


 

Proper oral hygiene and deep cleaning your teeth can treat gingivitis and prevent gum irritation. Scaling below and above the gums removes tartar. Root planing can remove tartar and plaque from the surface of the root. It also smoothens uneven spots. Lasers can also help remove tartar with less pain compared to root planing and scaling.

 

Your dentist can recommend several medications such as oral antibiotics or antiseptic mouthwash to treat gum disease. Flap surgery is vital in cases where plaque and tartar are in deeper pockets. The procedure is where the dentist lifts your gums and extracts plaque and tartar from deep pockets. Your gums get sealed back to fit around your teeth. Tissue and bone grafts happen when there is extreme damage to your jaw and teeth.

 

Prevention


 

Gum disease prevention is possible through consistent and proper oral hygiene. Make a point of visiting your dentist regularly, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice every day, and floss every day. Good dental health is possible by eating a balanced diet.


 

For more on the signs and symptoms of gum disease, contact Marine Park Periodontics & Implantology at our office in Brooklyn, New York. You can call (646) 863-4810 today to schedule an appointment.