Warning Signs Of The Presence Of Gum Disease

Part of good dental health is observing your mouth for any changes. You can spot changes in your mouth that may signal you have gum disease. It is important to catch gum disease early. Gum disease is the reason for 70% of adult tooth loss, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. If you notice the following signs of possible gum disease in your mouth, you should call your dentist for an appointment.

1. Red, swollen gums

2. Gums become tender to touch.

3. You notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss (a certain amount of bleeding is normal).

4. Your gums appear to recede (pull away from) your teeth.

5. You notice deep pockets between the teeth and gums.

6. You have loose teeth, or you notice that teeth seem to be pulling away from each other.

7. You find pus between your tooth and the gum.

8. You or someone else notices that you have persistent bad breath.

9. You notice a change in the way your teeth fit together.

10. You notice that you are experiencing difficulty inserting your partial denture

Plague is the main cause of gum disease. So, to prevent gum disease, control the presence of plague in your mouth. The simplest way to control plague is by brushing after meals and flossing once a day. Scheduling regular dental visits also increases the chance of catching gum disease early.

Gingivitis is when your gums are red, swollen or tender and is considered the early sign of gum disease. At this stage, good dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular visits with your dentist can reverse gum disease. This is why your dentist or hygienist will warn you when these conditions exist to practice better brushing and flossing habits.

A healthy diet can help your body fight many diseases including gum disease. Clenching or grinding your teeth can also lead to gum disease as doing these things can strain gum tissue. Certain medications that we take can also affect our gum tissue. Your hygienist can help you to understand ways that you can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing properly and with adequate frequency. Professional cleanings also help prevent gum disease as they help remove both soft and hard deposits from your teeth that can cause gum disease.

Smoking tobacco products or chewing tobacco products makes you more susceptible to gum disease.

If you do not heed the warning signs of gum disease and the disease becomes advanced, tooth loss occurs.

Everyone should practice good dental hygiene and see a dentist twice a year for regular appointments. Those who do not have dental insurance and may avoid seeing dentists due to the cost, should contact their county health departments. You can receive a list of dentists who offer low-cost or free services, including cleanings to those who qualify.

Gum disease can be serious. You have the power to observe warning signs in your mouth. Seek dental care immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease. Use your dental tools: your toothbrush and floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year and see your dentist for regularly scheduled exams. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your beautiful smile.

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