See The Signs Of Gum Disease & Act Fast
You don’t remember when it happened, but it did.
You were flossing — you don’t floss every day like you should, but you try. This wasn’t the first time your gums started bleeding, but this time was worse. It wasn’t just one or two places, the bleeding was visible in multiple parts of your mouth.
It wasn’t your most attractive moment based on what you saw in the mirror.
Hopefully, you already know that bleeding is a symptom of gum disease. By conservative estimates, 7 in 10 people will develop gum infections during their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of advanced periodontal disease.
Knowing this, we want to share some more symptoms of this condition with you today. If you are experiencing one or more of them, our team at Dores Dental can help you treat your infection at our office in Longmeadow, MA. Call 413-241-3995 today to make an appointment.
Learn The Signs
Bleeding gums are never a good thing, and you should contact us if you are having this issue. However, you also should know other clues that your gums may be infected.
One of the easiest things to check is the color and feel of your gums. Healthy gums look pink and feel firm. When they are infected, gums appear redder and feel swollen. As the infection gets worse, they may feel tender or sore as well. Many times, gum disease is not painful, however, so don’t assume that your gums are OK just because they don’t hurt.
Another symptom is one that you might not associate with a gum infection — at least not at first. Do you have bad breath? Do you feel like you have a lingering bad taste in your mouth? If so, that could be a clue that you have bacterial buildup in your mouth. Harmful bacteria cause periodontal disease, and too much bacteria hurts your breath.
Receding gums are another huge clue that you have a problem. When you gumline appears to be pulling away from your teeth, that is a bad thing for you. When this happens, plaque and tartar can form on the roots of your tooth, putting you at risk of a root cavity or in need of a root canal.
Last but not least, you should be aware if any of your teeth feel loose. Many people do not know that advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
If you are at this stage, please contact us immediately. We want to clear your infection and do everything we can to save your smile.
Act Early To Avoid Serious Problems
Our hope is that you are never in a position where you smile is at risk. If you notice the early warning signs — bleeding, red and swollen gums — then we can often address your situation with nonsurgical treatment.
Scaling and root planing is a great way to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This also creates a better opportunity for your teeth and gum tissue to reattach. When combined with Arestin® (an antibiotic), you can prevent your infection from coming back.
Make Preventive Care A Priority
Of course, your best strategy for any oral health issue is preventive care. Regular cleanings and exams can stop gum disease from developing, so you won’t be worried about losing your teeth.
Call our East Longmeadow, MA dentist’s office today at 413-241-3995 or fill out our online form for an appointment at Dores Dental.
