Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not have to lead to tooth loss. You can restore the health of your gums with good oral hygiene practices and support from your dental team.
Gum disease can affect anyone. It can be hard to diagnose it as it does not usually cause pain. When it does, it’s most likely in its advanced stages already.
At our dental office in Lethbridge area, we evaluate your gums and teeth as part of your routine dental checkup.
Gingivitis or early gum disease can show up at any age. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and they do not bleed. Here are signs of gingivitis to look out for:
- Gums turning red or blue
- Swelling
- Pain in the area
- Persistent bad breath
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
The symptoms may vary for periodontitis or gum disease in its advanced stage:
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pus in the gum area
- Changes in how your upper and lower teeth come in contact with each other
How Gum Disease Occurs
Bacteria on the teeth and gums cause gum disease. They feed on sugars in the food and beverages you consume and produce toxins. These toxins cause gum irritation, tenderness, and sensitivity. When not treated, the gums can pull away from the teeth.
Daily habits and existing health conditions can contribute to the development of gum disease. Not cleaning your teeth properly, missing dental hygiene cleanings, smoking, having a history of gum disease in the family, and an unhealthy diet can increase your risk for gum disease.
Taking certain medications may also make a person more susceptible to gum issues.
Gum Disease Treatments
Prevention is still the best solution to gum disease. But if it occurs, seeking immediate treatment is key to beating it. That’s why early detection is crucial so you can prevent permanent damage to your gums and avoid tooth loss.
Boosting your oral hygiene habits and making changes to your lifestyle can reverse early gum disease.
- Proper brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Avoiding smoking as it weakens your immune system and also slows down healing
- Seeing your dental hygienist and dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- Taking antibiotics to contain and fight the infection
- Using an antibacterial toothpaste to help minimize plaque and tartar buildup
If the gum disease is serious, you’ll need more than ramping up your dental care. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist and you may also require surgical treatments.
Here are some treatments for periodontitis:
- Root planing and scaling
- Getting rid of the pockets that have formed between teeth and gums through a procedure called a gingivectomy.
- Cleaning the roots of a tooth with a flap procedure
- Removing severely damaged or loose teeth
- Taking antibiotics and other medications to stop the infection
After completing your periodontal treatment, you’ll need to commit to preventive oral hygiene practices at home and the dental office.
At Cool Dental, we recommend visiting the dental office more frequent so we can monitor the condition of your gums.
If you’re starting to notice signs of gum disease, don’t panic. Contact us at
Gum Disease and Your Overall Health
Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Its impact is not only limited to your oral health so don’t ignore it.
Prevent gum issues before they happen. Visit our dental office in Lethbridge to learn more about gum disease prevention and treatments.