Even though gum disease is common, ignoring it isn’t a wise decision. The primary cause is neglecting oral hygiene, such as when you skip the basics: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the team at New York Dental Health every six months for a check-up.
With seven locations in the Bronx and New York City, New York, we’re conveniently located to help you maintain your oral health. Fighting off gum disease requires attention to all of the basics. You can’t depend on any single element to carry the weight.
It’s easiest to reverse gum disease when you catch it early; therefore, knowing what to look for can help you stay on top of this important aspect of oral care. This month, let’s look at the three warning signs of gum disease.
Medically known as periodontitis, gum disease is a chronic infection of the soft tissue of your mouth. As the condition progresses, it creates conditions in your mouth that support additional bacterial growth, leading to more serious complications.
In its advanced stages, gum disease can erode bone tissue in the jaw, potentially leading to loose or lost teeth without treatment.
When gums are healthy, they’re usually bright pink, firm, and they fit tightly around the crowns of your teeth. Gum color does vary between people, so take note of what your normal healthy gum looks like so you can identify changes.
Signs that gum disease is taking hold are observable. Watch for one or more of these warning signals:
Halitosis (bad breath) is normal from time to time, often due to foods you’ve consumed or other conditions. When halitosis becomes constant, there’s a good chance that gum disease has started to form.
Even if you upscale your hygiene efforts after halitosis starts, you may not be able to kill the odor of bad breath without a dental visit. Bacteria that cause gum disease produce the smell and taste of halitosis.
Healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice bleeding while performing either of these tasks, then it’s likely you’re in the early stages of gum disease. Plaque and tartar may be present below the gum line, and only a dental cleaning can eliminate this build-up.
You may also notice that, at the point your gums start to bleed, the color of your gums has changed to a darker hue, usually red, and they look puffy and swollen. If you have halitosis and bleeding gums, it’s likely you have gingivitis.
When your gums pull back from your teeth, it’s a sign that the support structures of your teeth may be eroding. Bone and connective tissue securing teeth in place become weak, and you may be at risk for permanent tooth loss. Receding gums are the first sign of this progression of gum disease.
Gum disease can be treated, the earlier the better. Contact New York Dental Health at our nearest location, by phone or online, to schedule an exam and cleaning as soon as possible.