The Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Most people have mild gum disease at some point in their lives but are unaware. It is because early-stage gum disease seldom shows any symptoms. Although it may appear non-threatening, the infection rapidly progresses to a severe stage if left untreated. Read on to learn more about gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissues, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It damages and weakens the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Early-stage gum disease is known as gingivitis. Usually, it is a precursor to the more severe stage known as periodontitis.

Gingivitis exhibits signs like gum-bleeding when cleaning teeth and visibly inflamed gum tissues. If the infection is caught early, the dentist in Manalapan, NJ, can help you reverse it. However, if you ignore the warning signs, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis affects the entire mouth compromising oral health and causing permanent damage.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Generally, gum disease occurs when you neglect your oral hygiene. Your mouth contains bacteria that assist in breaking down foods and fighting off oral infections. However, acids are produced when the bacteria combine with starches and sugars. These acids form a sticky substance that coats the teeth named plaque.

Plaque is eliminated by brushing and flossing. However, the plaque builds up and hardens to form tartar when you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar. So, it increases and slips beneath the gum line to infect the gum tissues. As a result, they become inflamed, eventually leading to irreversible damage.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

1. Bleeding gums

The first warning sign of gum disease is gums that bleed during or after brushing and flossing. The plaque and tartar cause the gums to become inflamed and sensitive. So, they bleed when they come into contact with a flossing thread or toothbrush bristles. With that in mind, the next time you spit out bloody saliva or notice a pink-tinged toothbrush, visit the dentist.

2. Persistent bad breath(halitosis)

Plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth, causing you to have a mouth odor. The bad breath persists even when you brush or use mouthwash frequently. This happens because the plaque builds below the gum line, which you cannot reach when cleaning your mouth.

Bad breath may also occur if the infection leads to abscesses or pus pockets between the gums and teeth. Pus from the abscesses causes your breath to smell all the time. Dental abscesses are severe and may cause the infection to spread in the entire mouth. So, call an emergency dentist near you if you notice small pimples or lumps on your gums and have halitosis.

3. Gum inflammation and discoloration

Changes in the appearance of your gums can indicate gum disease. Normally, your gums have a light-pink color. However, when they are infected, they start to appear darker or reddish. In addition, they become swollen and inflamed.

4. Gum sensitivity and tenderness

When you have gum disease, your gums become sensitive to the pressure of chewing, cold, or heat. Although gum sensitivity happens often, it indicates periodontal disease when it persists for more than a week. Your gums also become very tender when they are infected.

5. Gum recession

Gum infection leads to the formation of periodontal pockets. They cause gums to pull away from the teeth. As a result, the teeth will become sensitive and appear longer, affecting your smile. A dentist addresses these cosmetic gum issues during treatment.

6. dental changes

Another sign of gum disease is changing your teeth and jaw. The infection will cause your teeth to become loose, shift from their original position and change your bite. Severe gum disease also affects the jaw leading to bone loss.

Gum Disease Treatment

The dentist in Manalapan, NJ, treats gum disease according to its stage. For example, the expert will use perio-protect and deep cleanings to reverse early-stage gum disease. However, if the condition is severe, they will provide treatments to ease the symptoms and stop disease progression. These include gum surgery, medications, teeth scaling, root planing, and laser treatment.

Are you worried about gum disease? Then, contact us at Faktor DMD-Manalapan, NJ. We provide preventive measures, comprehensive diagnosis, management, and treatment of gum disease.