Blog

What You Need to Know about Gum Disease

Developing a gum disease may sound far-fetched, but it actually only takes a handful of times of forgetting to brush or floss to start seeing symptoms. Today, we’re going to cover all the major bases when it comes to gum disease.

 

What Causes Gum Diseases?

Colgate explains that when your plaque begins to build up on your gum line, it creates an area for other bacteria to stick to, which in turn creates gum diseases. Mouth Healthy explains that several behaviors can cause gum disease to develop: poor oral health (not brushing or flossing regularly), smoking or chewing tobacco, genetics, pregnancy, diabetes, or various types of medications.

 

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Gum Diseases?

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from teeth
  • Bad breath or bad taste in mouth
  • Loose permanent teeth
  • If your teeth move when you bite down

 

What Are the Different Types of Gum Diseases?

Gingivitis

Mouth Healthy explains this as the early stage of gum disease. Your gums become red, swollen and tender. You will also notice that they will start to bleed easier. When you have gingivitis, it is almost always curable. If you take the right steps recommended by your dentist, you can eliminate the problem relatively quickly and easily. However, if you continue to ignore your gums, the situation will develop into the next stage of gum disease.

Periodontitis

The next stage – and the most serious stage – of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to loss of the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Since the area surrounding your teeth is rotting, your teeth will start not only moving, but falling out when the condition gets severe enough.

 

Gum disease can be moderate and it can also be severe.  That is why it’s important to take care of your body by brushing your teeth and flossing on a regular basis. It is also just as important to have consistent check-ups with your dentist, so they can inform you about your oral health and show you if there is anything more you can be doing to help prevent gum disease.

 

Contact us today to see what we can do to help bring your smile to life!