When Should I Visit My Dentist About My Gum Health?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an inflammation and infection of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It can be the result of poor oral hygiene, and some people are more prone to this kind of infection. There are a variety of treatments available, depending on the severity of the gum disease.
The Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease symptoms can include:
- Deeper red or purplish gums.
- Unusual bleeding.
- Your gums feel sore.
- Bad breath, or halitosis.
- An unpleasant taste.
- Pain while chewing.
- Gum recession, gums that pull away from your teeth.
- Loose teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth align or fit together.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The buildup or accumulation of dental plaque is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Plaque contains many kinds of bacteria that can potentially infect your gums. That is why you are more likely to get gum disease if you have poor oral hygiene. Your genes can play a role in gum disease by changing the way your immune system responds to bacteria.
When Should I Visit My Dentist?
If you develop bleeding, tender, or swollen gums, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial. You might need more than a standard dental cleaning to reverse the infection.
Your dentist can tell you if you have gum disease during your routine examination. They will look for plaque buildup on your teeth and identify your symptoms. They could refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.
A dentist or periodontist measures the pockets around your teeth using an instrument called a periodontal probe. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease is. Your periodontist will check your bite, confirm whether you have loose teeth, and how much your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
Additionally, they will take X-rays. These images will capture the areas of bone loss in detail. They will also look at older X-rays to document how your bone has changed over time.
Gum Disease Stages
Healthy gums are firm to the touch and do not bleed or swell. Periodontal disease can cause discoloration, swollen, or bleeding gums. Left untreated, gum disease will cause destruction of your underlying jawbone, leading to tooth loss.
The breakdown of soft tissues around your teeth happens gradually. In fact, you may not experience pain with gum disease, especially during the initial stages. So, it is important to know the warning signs.
There are four stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis- This is the earliest stage. It starts with red, puffy gums that can bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is totally reversible with proper treatment.
- Mild periodontitis- The bacteria have drifted below your gums, affecting the supporting bone. Your gums might now pull away from your teeth, creating pockets around them. Plaque and bacteria easily accumulate in these pockets, accelerating the disease.
- Moderate periodontitis- Left untreated, bacteria now begin to erode the ligaments, soft tissues, and bone that support your teeth. You might notice bad breath and pus around your gum line. You might develop pain at this stage.
- Advanced periodontitis- As periodontal disease worsens, bone loss continues. This will cause your teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
When treated early enough, gum disease is reversible. You can manage it with proper treatment and consistent, diligent oral hygiene.
Related Article: Why Is Gum Health Important?