Understanding Gum Disease: Signs, Prevention, and Treatment
You may notice that your gums are in pain every now and then or you could find that they bleed after brushing. Some people may not notice gum disease until it’s a little too late. If you notice anything off with your gums, it’s important to pay attention to it. Here are some signs, prevention, and treatment tips to think about when it comes to your gums and overall oral health.
Signs to watch for
As you read the words “gum disease,” you may start to panic. It can be scary to think about having a disease in your gums, and it is scary if you really understand how bad it can get. If you start to notice things like bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, or highly sensitive teeth, you may want to visit your dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms aren’t great signs of healthy gums.
While trying to find dental insurance and visiting your dentist takes time and money, it’s worth it when it comes to saving your teeth and keeping up with your oral hygiene.
What to do
When you notice anything amiss with your gums, it’s time to give the dentist a call. Most exams aren’t too pricey and if you have insurance, it is even better. You may get good news that everything is fine but if symptoms are bothering you, chances are that you may be recommended for a dental cleaning.
Dental cleanings can be helpful to keep gingivitis away and if you’re already dealing with gingivitis, they can help you to prevent periodontal disease from developing. Once periodontal disease is present, you’ll need to do more to keep tooth decay and bone loss away.
The problem with periodontal disease
Many people who are dealing with gum disease don’t realize that it can lead to tooth loss. When tooth loss comes along, you may only be able to use partial titanium dentures or full dentures if the tooth loss is severe.
While this is something that typically only happens with severe periodontal disease, the jump from the beginning stages of gingivitis to periodontal disease can happen quickly. If you hear the word “gingivitis” from your dentist, talk to them about treatment options for your teeth and gums.
Treatment
For simple gingivitis, your dentist may recommend more regular cleanings, suggest more frequent flossing and brushing, and in some cases, highlight the importance of considering a Water Pik. In other more serious cases, you may need to visit your dentist more regularly and get scaling and root planning done in a deeper cleaning.
In more serious situations with severe periodontal disease, surgery may even be necessary. Before you panic, talk to your dentist about what you can be doing to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent your gum disease from becoming serious—if you’re already dealing with early-stage gum disease.
Take care of your health
The reality is that your gum disease could be a result of some other health conditions that you may not be aware of. You’ll want to talk to your doctor about your concerns if you’ve recently been diagnosed with periodontal disease.
From better oral hygiene to a more nutritional diet, there are things that you can do to turn your gingivitis around, prevent it from developing, or manage your disease if you are already dealing with it.
In Conclusion
Don’t let your bleeding or swollen gums go untreated. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and find out what you need to do to save your smile and continue living a confident life with great oral hygiene and teeth that you’re proud to show off. A happy smile is one that is healthy.
