What to Look for When Checking for Gum Disease

Dentist Blog

Gum disease can sneak up on you if you aren't paying attention, and it's not always easy to notice the signs until it's too late. The good news is with regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine, you can prevent gum disease from progressing further. Here are five signs of gum disease that you should keep an eye out for.

Bleeding Gums  

This is one of the first signs of gum disease and is usually the most noticeable. Gums shouldn't bleed when you floss or brush your teeth; if they do, then that's a sign something is wrong. If you notice this symptom, make sure to get checked by your dentist right away so they can diagnose the issue and begin treatment.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is when the gums start to pull away from your teeth, revealing more of the tooth root than normal. This can lead to sensitivity in the affected area as well as an increased risk of developing cavities due to bacteria getting into exposed areas. Talk to your dentist about possible treatments like grafting or soft tissue laser treatment if necessary.

Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath may signal more serious problems like gum disease or tooth decay. If brushing and flossing don't seem to help, then it could be caused by something else, such as an infection in your gums or other oral health issues that need treating by a professional dentist.

Loose Teeth

Suppose your teeth become loose or start shifting position in your mouth. In that case, this could indicate advanced periodontal (gum) disease, which often requires more aggressive treatment than just brushing and flossing alone. Your dentist will examine your mouth and determine what type of treatment would be best for you based on their diagnosis.

Inflammation & Redness Around the Gums

Inflammation around the gums is another sign of gum disease, which needs immediate attention from a professional dentist before it progresses further down into more serious issues like bone loss or even tooth loss in extreme cases.

Conclusion

Keeping an eye out for these five signs is key when it comes to preventing gum disease from progressing further down into more serious oral health issues like bone loss or even tooth loss. With regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine, you can catch any changes early enough before they become too severe. For more info, contact your dentist today.

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28 February 2023

Unraveling Dental Myths about Children: A Blog for Parents

When I had my first child, I was a nervous wreck. Every book I read gave different advice, and I just wanted to be right! By the time I had my third child, some of the stress had abated. I now realised, there were tons of different perspectives on everything related to raising children including dentistry. To help parents, I have created this blog dedicated to unraveling dental myths about children. I am including posts that weigh both sides of issues such as thumb sucking, dental caries, breastfeeding, flossing and any other topic I can think of. I hope you find the information you need to unravel dental myths, but most importantly, I hope you find some peace of mind. With kids and dentistry, there can be more than one right answer, and I want you to be able to relax and go with the answer that's right for you.