Gums free from any disease are the basis of a beautiful smile. Along with protecting, teeth, gums help you bite, and they are a major factor in your general health. However, the development of gum disease is often silent. The majority of people perceive the first symptoms as a slight irritation or normal aging. Regrettably, if the gums problems remain untreated, they might even cause the loss of teeth. At THE DENTAL VENUE, our attitude is that becoming aware of an issue is the very first preventive step. So, these are the signs that your gums may be infected and that you should absolutely not wait to take them to a doctor’s consultation.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the main cause of the loosening of teeth, which happens as an effect of infection of the structures that hold your teeth in place. It mostly starts with the presence of plaque, which is a sticky deposit that is full of bacteria and causes irritation and inflammation of the gums. If the inflammation is left untreated, it eventually leads to the destruction of the bone and tissues that hold the teeth together. The bad news is that gum disease can disappear by itself and it results in the receding of the gums.
1. Red or Swollen Gums
Properly, gums should be of a light pink color and quite firm. The first warning signs of gum disease, in most cases, are red, swollen, and tender gums. The reason for the swelling is that the body is coming to the rescue of the bacteria irritating the area. Although the situation may appear to be somewhat light, it can advance to a serious infection if you continue to disregard it.
2. Bleeding When You Brush or Floss
Quite a few persons consider it normal if their gums bleed just a little when they brush or floss. It is not. Bleeding is the clearest indication that your gums are inflamed and infected, at least, that is the most probable case. Even a tiny bit of blood is the body’s way of communicating with you.
3. Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away
It is quite normal to have bad breath sometimes, particularly after eating foods with strong smells. However, a chronic halitosis, or bad taste in the mouth, can be the signs of gum disease. The bacteria that are beneath the gums emit odors, and only brushing cannot rid them.
4. Gum Sensitivity or Discomfort
At the initial stage of gum disease, the gums can become sore and sensitive. The discomfort may come due to the intake of food, brushing, or chewing. If you experience pain in the area surrounding your gumline, instead of disregarding it, get it checked.
5. Receding Gums
Has your teeth been looking longer than before? It may not be your imagination. Recession of the gums is when the gum tissue separates from the tooth, thus the roots become exposed. The affected area can become very sensitive to hot and cold, and it is also a common indication of the progression of gum disease.
6. Pus Between Teeth and Gums
Gum pus or discharge is absolutely abnormal. It indicates an infection and should be regarded as a dental emergency. If an infection is left without treatment, it may spread and thus, can cause the destruction of the supporting bone.
Why Early Detection Matters
Gum disease early detection is very important because the treatment then becomes much simpler and more efficient. At its first stage, which is called gingivitis, gum disease is often reversible by a professional cleaning and improved home care. After it progresses to periodontitis, the harm can be irreversible. The earliest measures to save your gums and also lower the probability of such diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
How Gum Disease Is Treated
Treatment decisions depend on how advanced the condition is:
Professional cleaning: The plaque and tartar that have built up and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing are removed.
Scaling and root planing: Deep cleaning of the areas under the gums to eliminate bacteria and to smooth the roots.
Medications or rinses: They help to control the infection and to relieve the inflammation.
Surgical options: If the situation is very bad, operations may be needed to make the gums and bones that have been lost, grow again.
The treatment will be less invasive if gum disease is found earlier.
What You Can Do at Home
Daily care is what counts the most in the prevention of gum disease. Make sure to:
Brush twice a day at least with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove the plaque that develops between your teeth.
If advised by your dentist, you may use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Consume a nutritious diet and keep the sugary snacks to a minimum.
If you are a smoker, quit smoking as it has been proven to elevate the risk of gum disease.
In fact, it is very important not to be reluctant and pass by your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. There is no other way to completely remove the buildup that your brushing at home cannot reach.
Final Thoughts
Periodontal disease is an almost invisible and very rare situation that occurs suddenly and over a short period of time. It usually evolves gradually in a large number of people who neglect its symptoms. Do not let inflammation or bleeding of the gums fool you into thinking that they are normal. When you know these early signs and, hence, getting a doctor on time, you are the one who saves your smile and gets rid of the danger of severe complications.
We at THE DENTAL VENUE, are committed to assisting our patients in their journey to maintain healthy gums for life. Our team will be glad to offer you comprehensive checks, painless cleaning, and customized advice to help your oral hygiene stay at its best.
