Do you Have Gum Disease? What are the Signs to Watch For?
Almost half of all adults in the United States that are 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. Typically, gum disease increases as you age and if you use tobacco products. What signs you should look for to see if you’re one of those with gum disease? How do you prevent this disease and can it be reversed?
What Is Gum Disease?
What is gum disease? Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral care, such as brushing and flossing your teeth. Poor brushing habits allows plaque to build up on your teeth and harden.
Bacteria, mucus, and other particles in your mouth, form a sticky, colorless plaque on your teeth. When you brush and floss, this helps eliminate plaque that has formed. If plaque is not removed, it hardens and forms tartar that brushing will not remove. The only way to eliminate tartar is by having a dentist or hygienist use special tools to do a professional cleaning.
Are There Signs of Gum Disease You Should Look For?
Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS discusses gum disease on her website. Gum disease ranges from mild gingivitis to moderate or severe periodontitis. Treatments are available for every type of gum disease.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and is a mild form of gum disease. It usually happens when a film of plaque accumulates on the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent plaque buildup, which contributes to gum disease. Gingivitis is typically reversed with consistent daily oral care, and routine professional cleanings with Dr. Evanson every six months.
Signs you may have gingivitis:
- Bright red and swollen gums.
- Gums that are painful and tender to the touch.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath.
Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease which causes gums to recede from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected.
Periodontitis is the more serious gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. This disease can cause teeth to loosen and lead to tooth loss.
Signs that you have periodontitis:
- Teeth that move slightly when lightly pushed against by your tongue or finger.
- Spaces between teeth that indicate that your gums are receding.
- Sensitive teeth. When gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed, making teeth more sensitive to hot and cold food or beverages.
- Chronic bad breath
- Grinding or clenching your teeth causes excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth, which adds to the damage of your teeth.
- Untreated periodontitis can lead to bone loss.
- If you use tobacco products you generally have more tartar than non-smokers, which leads to gum disease. Tobacco damages teeth and gums, and creates the perfect storm for infection-causing bacteria that cause gums disease. Tobacco also causes gum disease treatment to be less successful.
Gum Disease is Preventable
Gum disease is largely preventable with good oral care. You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by doing the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Visit Dr. Evanson every 6 months for a check-up and professional cleaning.
If you’re concerned that you have gum disease, call our office, (720) 409-0008, for a periodontal evaluation or contact us online. Let Dr. Evanson get you on the right track in caring for your teeth and gums.
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