Early Detection Matters: Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common, potentially serious health issue that can affect your smile.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and other tissues surrounding teeth. These tissues include bone and connective tissue.
Gum Disease is More Common than You Might Think
If you think you have gum disease, you are not alone. Gum disease is common. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly half (42%) of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and almost 8% have an advanced form.
What Healthy Gums Look Like
Knowing what healthy gums look like can help you spot the signs of gum disease. Our dentist in North Lafayette, LA, can diagnose and treat gum disease to help you maintain a healthy and attractive smile. We can also provide pointers on how to avoid gum disease in the future.
Healthy gums are firm to the touch and light pink in color. They should fit snugly around your teeth. Your gums should not hurt or bleed when you brush your teeth.
Stages of Gum Disease
Untreated gum disease is progressive, which means it can get worse. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of each stage can help you get treatment early, when gum disease is easier to treat.
Gum disease has two stages. The first stage, gingivitis, is relatively mild; you may be able to reverse it at home. It affects only the gingiva, which is the part of your gums near the base of your teeth.
The second stage, periodontitis, is more severe. The infection goes beyond the gingiva to infect tissue deep within the gum. Periodontitis can cause swelling of the gum tissue, which eventually causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Inflammation causes pockets between teeth and gums; the pockets may fill with bacteria-rich plaque and tartar, and deepen over time. Left untreated, the deep infection can cause the loss of gum tissue and bone, which increases your risk of losing teeth. The ongoing inflammation can also put a strain on your immune system.
Periodontitis is much harder to treat and can lead to tooth loss or other serious problems. Clearly, it is better to identify gum disease in its earlier stage. To do that, you need to know the signs of gum disease.
Signs of Gingivitis
Since gingivitis affects only the gingiva, the signs will develop where your gums meet your teeth.
To detect signs of gingivitis, look for the following:
- Puffy or swollen gums.
- Gums that are bright red, dark red, or darker than usual.
- Gums that bleed easily when you floss or brush your teeth.
- Tender gums.
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis.
- Bad taste in your mouth.
Signs of Periodontitis
Since periodontitis affects the gums, tissues below the gums, and even the immune system, signs of periodontitis reach beyond the gums.
Signs of periodontitis include:
- Swollen gums.
- Gums that look dark red, bright red, or dark purple.
- Gums that are tender to the touch.
- Gums that bleed easily; your toothbrush might look pink after you brush your teeth, or you may spit out blood when you brush or floss.
- Chronic halitosis.
- Pus in a pocket between your gums and teeth.
- Loose teeth, or the loss of one or more teeth.
- Gum pain when you chew.
- Receding gums occur when the gums pull away from the teeth, and the teeth may look longer than usual.
- New spaces between your teeth at the gumline; the spaces often look like black triangles.
- A change in your bite is how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down.
I Have Signs of Gum Disease. What Should I Do?
If you have signs of gum disease, make an appointment with Hebert Family Dentistry immediately – especially if you have signs of advanced gum disease. We offer dental services, such as periodontal therapy, to patients of any age. We also provide routine visits and checkups, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, bridges, dentures, implants, clear correct, veneers, and even oral surgery in some instances.
Contact Hebert Family Dentistry today to learn more about gum disease and its treatments.