Gum Disease Symptoms
If you have gum disease, you might be wondering what symptoms are there and how to cure them. It’s a good idea to stop smoking and use a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes twice a day. You can also try using a water flosser to irrigate your gums, but these devices can’t replace floss.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Gum disease is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. While the early symptoms of gum disease are often invisible, identifying the disease in its early stages can help prevent it from worsening. It’s important to see a dentist regularly and speak up if you notice any unusual symptoms. If you ignore these symptoms, you could end up with irreversible damage to your teeth.
Bleeding gum tissue is not normal, and it’s a warning sign that you may be at risk for the disease. Healthy gum tissue does not bleed, but gums that are inflamed and infected will bleed. Antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the bleeding, but it won’t stop it permanently. Your dentist can determine if the bleeding is caused by inflammation or bacteria. If the bleeding is excessive, you may have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. If the bleeding is chronic, the condition is known as periodontitis.
Can gum diseases be cured?
Gum disease can lead to the loss of a person’s teeth if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat it and prevent further damage. The first step is to start practicing proper oral hygiene. This includes flossing regularly and cleaning your teeth thoroughly. If you find your gums bleeding or are experiencing sensitivity when brushing, you may have gum disease. If you notice this, see a dentist right away.
After a dental cleaning, your gums should improve. During the cleaning process, the doctor will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also educate you about proper brushing technique. Brushing twice a day is essential in keeping your gums healthy.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
People who have gum disease have a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel to the brain where they can trigger an immune response. The inflammation can alter brain structures. It can also lead to tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is reversible if treated in time. Regular dental visits and daily brushing can help prevent it.
People with gum disease often notice red, swollen gums and bleeding gums. If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, where the gums and bone separate and cause serious oral health issues. Left untreated, this infection can cause tooth loss and can even lead to other health complications, such as high blood sugar and diabetes.
What is gum disease look like?
People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop periodontitis, or gum disease. These risk factors include smoking, brushing infrequently, using tobacco, or having crooked teeth. Early-stage gum disease, however, is often reversible and can be prevented with proper brushing and flossing.
The first step to treatment is to diagnose the condition. Your dentist will perform a full mouth examination to look for signs of gum disease. This will include an examination for tartar buildup, receding gums, and easy bleeding. Your dentist will also review your medical history and may use a dental probe to measure the depth of pockets between your teeth and gums. They may also take x-rays to check for bone loss around your teeth.
When you have gingivitis, you will experience red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The condition is caused by bacteria that accumulate in the gums and teeth. The bacteria build up on your teeth, causing plaque. This plaque then hardens into tartar and forms an infection. When this plaque reaches the gums, it causes inflammation. You may have swollen or tender gums, and you will have a bad breath. Fortunately, this early stage of gum disease is easily treated with a better oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist.
What is the main cause of gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is a build-up of plaque on the teeth. This plaque causes inflammation and irritation to gums and leads to gum disease. However, you can prevent the development of gum disease by following a good oral care regimen. This will help remove harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
When plaque builds up on the teeth, it turns into tartar. This hard substance is filled with bacteria, making it harder to remove. This buildup irritates the gums and can even lead to tooth loss. It is essential to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine. Otherwise, tartar can cause infection, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. It is also linked to other diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Though scientists have not yet proved a direct link, some believe that gum disease is an independent risk factor.
Recent studies show a connection between gum disease and some types of cancer. Severe gum disease can damage blood vessels and heart valves. It can also cause atherosclerosis, the development of fatty plaques on the walls of the arteries. The bacteria that cause atherosclerosis can travel through the bloodstream, infecting the heart and lungs. This in turn can cause respiratory diseases. Additionally, certain bacteria in the mouth can also trigger protein plaques, which are indicators of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. This is also a good reason to visit a dentist regularly and practice good oral care.
