Signs of Gum Disease
Although your teeth are often considered to be the most important part of the smile, while they do play a vital role in oral health, the gums are equally valuable. A regular regimen of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is critical to maintaining the health of both the teeth and the gums, but problems like gum disease can still develop even with the best routines.
Even if your teeth appear to be healthy, your gums may be developing a serious issue that only attention from a dentist can help you to correct. If you have noticed such problems as bleeding while you brush or a slow receding of your gum line, watch the videos below for more information about treatment. Early action is key to stopping these issues in their tracks. Learn more about how to spot signs of gum disease and what preventative measures can be taken to stop it in it’s tracks.
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Bleeding and Receding Gums
Seeing blood when you brush your teeth is often a signal that something is wrong with your gums and that you have a buildup of plaque. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day, and it is never too late to start. If regular brushing and flossing do not seem to help reduce or eliminate the bleeding in your gums, you should make an appointment with your local dentist. Notify your dentist that your gums are bleeding and that you might need a deep cleaning or a scaling to correct the issue. It can also be one of the first signs of gum disease, so don’t delay.
Though you may be committed to your dental health, brushing your teeth too hard can in fact result in gingival recession, or receding gums. You must take care when you brush to not scrub back and forth too hard, and make sure that you use a soft toothbrush. Another common cause of gingival recession is grinding. If you grind your teeth in your sleep or while you are awake, the gums can recede. There are options available to fix problems such as grinding, and your dentist will be able to provide proper guidance.
Gum disease can set in when your gums start reacting to plaque buildup on the surface of the teeth. When gum disease emerges, you can expect your gums to become red and swollen, and they may begin to bleed easily. If this is not corrected, gum disease can lead to periodontitis, which is when the bone below or above the teeth starts to be effected.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Periodontitis is a gingival disease that affects both the gums and the bone. The condition starts out as gingivitis, which is largely limited to inflammation of the gums. This disease can progress, becoming periodontitis, and beginning to dissolve the bone around the roots of the teeth. That’s the number one cause of people losing their teeth and they end up with dentures. If you notice inflammation of the gums, turning red and swollen, you should let your dentist know right away.
Are you or someone you love concerned about gum disease? Contact Dr. Douglas Hamill for a free consultation and he can help identify any issues with your gums, and provide a treatment plan to help you achieve optimal oral health and prevent gum disease.
