Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects your dental health. Gum disease results in damage to surrounding tissues and can spread to your bones. Once it spreads to your bones, you can end up losing teeth. Gum disease can go undetected and affects roughly one-half of the population. This condition is preventable if you take good care of your gums. Therefore, it is important to make regular dentist appointments and to floss daily.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease has three stages. Stage one is gingivitis. This is a mild form of the disease that results from plaque and tartar buildup. If you catch gum disease at this stage, you can reverse and prevent it from progressing further. At this point, it is an inflammation of the gums.

The second stage is periodontitis. When gum disease reaches this stage, it becomes an infection. Periodontitis can extend to the bone tissue and causes gum pockets.

The third stage is aggressive periodontitis. During this stage, your gum pockets make your teeth detach from your gums. At this stage, gum disease can begin to affect your health in many ways.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

One common symptom of gum disease is swollen gums. They may appear red and inflamed. You may notice bleeding when you floss. Though bleeding sometimes occurs when you do not floss regularly, this is not normal. You can experience tooth sensitivity as well. The bleeding can worsen over time. Harmful bacteria can form in the mouth and enter your bloodstream, causing even more serious issues.

Another symptom is gum recession. If your teeth appear to be longer, your gums could have receded. This indicates a progression of the disease. Gum recession is a part of aging but can cause gum pockets and other serious issues. Your gums will feel tender. You can develop new spaces between your teeth and experience pain when chewing.

Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom of gum disease. Gum recession can lead to inflammation and tooth sensitivity. If you experience pain when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages, call your dentist. Gum disease can also cause bad breath, mouth sores, and a change in how your teeth fit together.

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is by visiting your dentist and taking good care of your teeth. You should aim to see your dentist at least once a year for a checkup. Make sure you brush twice daily for at least two minutes. You should also floss at least once per day. Gum disease can cause complications if left untreated.

Your gum health is important. Preventative measures can make all the difference in a healthy smile. We can help you keep your dental health on track. Call Marietta Smile Gallery in Marietta, Georgia at 770-809-1500 to learn more about symptoms of gum disease, or to schedule an appointment.