What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Nov 4th, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Gum disease, while common, is not a pretty thing to look at as it advances to more severe stages. Although typically, most people who suffer from chronic gum disease aren’t even aware that anything is wrong. So what are the symptoms? What should you be looking out for?

Tender Gums / Bleeding Gums
Gums that consistently bleed during daily tooth brushing may be affected by gingivitis or periodontitis. Although some people do brush too hard, this is often a sign of sensitive, irritated gums. Plaque build-up is the culprit behind things like this. These bacterial deposits grow around and in your gums, causing them to be irritated and tender to the touch. This is the most common sign of needing to seek dental help.

Halitosis
Everyone’s favorite word, no one’s favorite experience. Halitosis (aka constant bad breath) is the by-product of bacteria that grow between your teeth and put off this gross stench. If loved ones are always complaining about your breath and you can’t seem to do anything about it, it may be time to fight back.

Receding Gums
While a receding hairline is common and natural for many men, a receding gum line is not. If you see your gums shrinking or what appears to be the ‘lengthening’ of teeth, let your dentist know. Healthy gums are full and plump.

Loose or Shifting Teeth
A loose tooth is always a sure sign to go see a dentist. This category of symptoms includes wiggling teeth and changes in how dentures or braces fit. This is a sign of acute gum disease: periodontitis. At this point, the disease will be eating away at the bone tissue in your jaw, causing teeth to not fit as well as they used to. See a dentist immediately.

If you exhibit some of these symptoms and believe you have any degree of gum disease, The Dental Center at Easton is here to help! Call us to set up an appointment as soon as possible!

Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

Nov 3rd, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! We love seeing your perfect smiles in our office, but dentistry isn’t just about what happens at your appointments. Your teeth require daily cleaning. Sticking to that routine and developing good habits is the only way to prevent gum disease. It is so easy to do, that it’s astounding that 30-50% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease.

Prevention is a routine of twice daily brushing and flossing, as well as twice yearly dental cleaning with a professional. Proper plaque control keeps your mouth from developing a bacterial jungle between teeth. Your at-home regimen is simple and effective:

Brushing removes plaque from the surface of teeth.
Flossing eliminates hard-to-reach plaque between teeth and below the gum line.
Mouthwash can kill bacteria that cause gum disease.

Dental cleanings are more fun for everyone when you stick to a routine at home. Think of it as prescribed medicine from a doctor. Would you skip doses of a pill that prevented gum disease?

Without hard plaque (aka dental calculus), cleaning your teeth is a much smoother process. It’s less painful and much shorter for the patient, and much easier and much less stressful for the dentist. We worry about you. We don’t want you to be in pain. But difficult to remove build-up must be removed with hand scalers. Large patches of this can take an involved process to remove.

Save yourself from gum disease, save yourself from uncomfortable dental check-ups. Practice good dental hygiene at home to prevent gum disease and keep a healthy mouth!