5 Signs You May Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is a severe infection that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth if left untreated. However, it can be challenging to spot this disease as people tend to ignore early signs of gum disease, like bad breath. Fortunately, we’re here to help you identify signs of gum disease and why seeking gum disease treatment as soon as possible will help prevent further infection.

Signs of Gum Disease

• Bad Breath

Periodontal gum disease is one of the major causes of bad breath. Have you noticed that you have bad breath even after flossing and brushing your teeth? This might be because of the buildup of calculus under your gumline. Failure to go for professional teeth cleaning means that the calculus creates a pathogenic environment for bacteria to thrive. As the infection continues, it can lead to bone destruction, including the jawbone.

What causes the bad breath, known as perio breath, is the damaging bacteria which causes bone destruction. One sure way of preventing this symptom is by regularly cleaning your teeth. If you have the disease, going to the dentist in Largo for deep cleaning will be effective.

• Swollen Gums

Have you looked in the mirror? Are your gums red and swollen or pink? Healthy gums are pink. On the other hand, if your gums are puffy, red or swollen, this might mean that you have gum disease. So, why does gum disease cause swollen gums?

Dr. Gabriela Vila recommends undergoing periodontal disease treatment once you see your swollen gums. Failure to do so leads to the bacteria irritating the gingiva, causing inflammation. Gradually, your gums swell and can bleed easily whenever you brush your teeth. This can also lead to tooth decay.

• Gum Recession

Gum recession is where the tissue surrounding your teeth begins to pull back or wear away, exposing part of your teeth. When this occurs, gum pockets are created, and it becomes easy for bacteria to build in the pockets. If you ignore the receded gums, the bacteria damage the supporting tissues. Tooth loss can occur.

It can be challenging to spot this sign as gum recession occurs gradually. However, you might experience tooth sensitivity, which can be an early sign of gum recession. You will also notice that your teeth are longer than normal if you see this, for treatment as soon as possible.

• Tooth Sensitivity

As mentioned earlier, tooth sensitivity can be an early sign of gum recession. When your gums start to recede, your tooth’s roots become exposed. The exposed roots become irritated whenever you take hot or cold drinks and foods. Moreover, the space created when gums begin to recede act as a deposit for bacteria. The bacteria will inflame the tooth’s roots and your gums, causing sensitivity.

When you go for treatment, the dentist will remove the infected tissues, repair any damaged bone and treat any infection in your mouth. Deep cleaning will also remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.

Gum surgery may be recommended if the dentist cannot treat the gum recession through deep cleaning due to severe damage to the bone and deep gum pockets.

• Tooth Mobility

In the later stages of gum disease, your teeth can become loose and shift. After your gums begin to pull away from the teeth, pockets are created, and bacteria sit there. The bacteria cause decay, which can be painful as it attacks the tooth’s roots, and the only way to alleviate the pain at this stage is through tooth extraction.

Once you go for treatment, the dentist will perform pocket reduction to bring the gums back around the tooth root. The dentist will also give you antibiotics to prevent further infection.

Your gums are an essential part of your overall health. Therefore, taking care of them is imperative. Although regular brushing and flossing can remove tartar and prevent plaque buildup, going for periodic deep cleaning is essential. Visit Largo Dental One, and our dentist will professionally clean your teeth.

Moreover, don’t ignore these signs of gum disease, as it can be more challenging to treat advanced periodontal disease. Additionally, gum disease can affect your smile and diet and lead to tooth loss. You can come to our dental clinic, and the dentist will provide you with gum disease treatment cost so that you can plan your budget ahead of time.