Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that surround and support your teeth. It's a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is often a progressive condition, starting as gingivitis before evolving into full-blown periodontitis if left untreated. Sometimes, gum disease can even lead to more serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. The insidious nature of gum disease is that it often progresses painlessly, making it hard to detect without a professional dental check-up.

What are the Causes of Gum Disease?

There are several factors that contribute to the development of gum disease. One of the most common is poor oral hygiene. When we don't brush and floss our teeth regularly, plaque builds up on the teeth surfaces. Over time, the plaque hardens to form tartar, which is more difficult to remove. The bacteria in tartar cause inflammation of the gums, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes in women, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic susceptibility. It's crucial to understand that while these factors increase the risk of gum disease, they do not guarantee its occurrence.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, some signs and symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, receding gums, formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, loosening or shifting of teeth, changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or changes in the fit of partial dentures.

Early Signs of Gum Disease

In the early stages, gum disease may present itself as gingivitis. This is usually characterized by mild symptoms such as red and swollen gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. You may also experience bad breath that won't go away, even after brushing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. Thus, catching the disease at this stage can prevent the progression to more serious stages of gum disease.

Advanced Symptoms of Gum Disease

When gum disease is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. As the disease progresses, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and the teeth may become loose and may eventually have to be removed.

Symptoms at this stage include persistent bad breath, pus between your teeth and gums, a change in bite, a change in the fit of partial dentures, and loose or shifting teeth. The advanced stage of gum disease can have serious implications for your overall health, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Importance of Dental Check-Ups for Gum Disease Detection

Given the silent progression of gum disease, regular dental check-ups are critical in its early detection and treatment. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar, and it can also get rid of the plaque you may have missed while brushing and flossing. If you have gingivitis, regular dental cleanings can help reverse it before it progresses to more serious gum disease.

Dental check-ups also allow your dentist to assess your overall oral health. As a dental professional, they can provide advice tailored to your specific situation, such as more intensive cleaning routines, changes in diet, or potentially even quitting smoking.

Take Proactive Measure to Protect Your Gums Today

Gum disease can be a silent but serious condition. By understanding its causes and symptoms, and the importance of regular dental check-ups, we can all take steps to prevent it and maintain our oral health. A healthy mouth is key to a healthy life.

To learn more about the symptoms of gum disease, visit Above & Beyond Dental at our office in Bedford, Texas. Call (817) 571-1667 to schedule an appointment today.