Blog Post - Signs of Gum Disease

Could you have gum disease and not even know it? While it may seem surprising, the answer to this question is a resounding YES! In fact, many people who have gum disease, also known and gingivitis, don’t know they have it. Often gingivitis begins without obvious symptoms; it oftentimes needs a professional to take a closer look and properly diagnose it. But if you suspect something might be a little off with your gum health, there are a few signs and symptoms to look out for.

1.       Pink in the sink. Gums that easily or regularly bleed when you brush or floss are a telltale sign of gum disease. If you notice blood—even in small amounts—when you brush, it may be time to get checked out by your dentist.

2.       Painful gums. If your gums are tender, swollen, or have an inflamed appearance, gum disease is a likely culprit to blame. This symptom is often paired with the last warning sign: bleeding when brushing or flossing.

3.       Gums pulling away from teeth. Have you noticed a gap between your gums and teeth that didn’t used to be there? Do your teeth appear longer than they used to? This, too, can be a sign of gum disease, as the gums pull away from the teeth when they become irritated.

4.       Sores in your mouth or pus between your teeth and gums. These are signs of bacteria taking root in the mouth and definite signs of gum disease.

5.       Bad breath that doesn’t really go away. Persistent bad breath is a common and annoying sign of gingivitis, which may leave you feeling self-conscious.

6.       Pain when chewing or sensitive teeth. Many people experience some sensitivity in their teeth, but if it has become worse recently or if you have pain when chewing, it might mean you have gum disease.

7.       Loose teeth. One of the later-stage symptoms of gum disease, loose or separating teeth are definite causes for concern and should be taken seriously.

8.       A change in how your teeth fit together. Does your bite feel different? If your teeth don’t fit together like they used to and you have any of the other common symptoms, gingivitis could be your problem.

Gum disease is a serious condition that can eventually lead to tooth loss, and millions of people don’t even know they have it. The good news is a visit to the dentist can help get you on the right track. In most cases, gum disease can be helped—but the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes to treat. Call Orchid Dental today and schedule an exam. Our experienced and dedicated staff wants to help improve your dental health and smile.

The Fight Taking Place in your Mouth

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can be caused by bad oral hygiene, some medications, smoking, stress, and genetics. It can cause bone damage, tooth loss, and is a contributing factor in diabetes, stroke and heart disease. The positive side to gum disease? It is most often preventable!

How Does Gum Disease Develop?

Although much progress has been made in raising awareness of dental health, and oral hygiene, gum disease is still very common. When essential oral hygiene habits are neglected, bacteria that exists in your mouth combine with the natural saliva and acids, and form a sticky, clear plaque on your teeth. Plaque that isn't removed by brushing and flossing eventually hardens to create “tartar” which cannot be removed by just brushing alone.

Without regular dental visits and an experienced dental hygienist, the tartar becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.  The growing bacteria attacks the soft tissue housing your teeth. Gums can become infected, sore, swollen and inflamed. As gum disease progresses, it wreaks havoc on the entire mouth structure causing bleeding gums, bad breath, and potentially tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatments

Gum disease can be fought in many ways. Tackling it alone shouldn't be part of the plan. If you notice any of the symptoms outlined above, contact Orchid Dental and schedule an appointment for a checkup. Dr. Aryani will examine your gums to determine the severity of the infection and will advise you on the best possible solution.

Cleaning and Hygiene: For milder cases of gingivitis and gum disease, the infection may be dealt with by flossing and brushing, and with regular cleanings by a professional. For more advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, in order to remove bacteria from below the gum line. New techniques and procedures include laser-assisted bacterial reduction therapies.

Medications and Mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes and antiseptic rinses can be prescribed to control bacteria while treatments are ongoing. Although effective in supporting other therapies, medications such as antibiotics, and antimicrobial mouthwashes cannot treat gum disease by themselves.

Surgery: Flap surgery, and bone and tissue grafts help repair some of the damage cause by gum disease. These procedures also reduce the periodontal pocket, encouraging healthy growth of tissue and bone, making it easier for the area to be kept clean.

Preventive Care

It’s important to understand how gum disease can ruin your smile. Practicing good hygiene habits is just a start - brush teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Mouthwash helps kill the germs too. Eat well, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and be sure to visit your dentist every six months. Preventive measures are key components to fighting the bacteria war in your mouth.

Contact Orchid Dental to schedule an appointment today!