Healthy gums should fit snugly around each tooth, with the distance between the gum tissue and its attachment to the tooth only one to three millimeters in depth. Advancing gum disease can lead to deeper than normal spaces around the teeth called periodontal pockets. In later stage gum disease, the pockets become so deep that it becomes difficult to remove the food and debris by brushing and flossing. This causes the pockets to become progressively deeper and worsens the disease further – a virtuous cycle. Gums that are bleeding or aching may be the result of gum disease.
If you noticed any bleeding with brushing, try to identify where that bleeding was in your mouth. In some cases, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help with persistent gum infections that haven’t responded to cleanings. The antibiotic might be in the form of a mouthwash, gel, or an oral tablet or capsule. Healthy people normally have hundreds of different types of bacteria in their mouth. When you don’t clean your teeth properly each day, the bacteria grow and build up on your teeth.
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that can lead to serious issues if left untreated. It is important to recognize the early signs of gum disease so that it can be addressed promptly. Two key indicators of gum disease are bleeding gums and swollen gums.
There’s a link between gum disease and other health issues like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Your periodontist may recommend therapy that involves gum reshaping, which is also referred to at gingival contouring. Being familiar with your gums and noticing changes can help you identify gum problems early.
Bleeding Gums
One of the earliest signs of gum disease is noticing blood when you brush or floss your teeth. This bleeding may be mild at first, but it should not be ignored. Bleeding gums are often a result of inflammation caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress into more advanced stages of gum disease.
Swollen Gums
Also called periodontal disease, this condition may have serious consequences for both dental and overall health. It’s a chronic condition that can progress quickly, with older people more at risk. In the worst cases, it leads to infected teeth that need to be removed. Symptoms of early gum disease may include red, swollen gums that feel tender or painful to the touch and bleed easily when you floss or brush. This guide serves as a how-to for identifying the early stages of gum disease.
Another common early sign of gum disease is swollen gums. Healthy gums should appear pink and firm. If you notice that your gums are red, tender, or swollen, it could be a sign of gum disease. Swelling is often a result of the body’s immune response to the bacteria in plaque. In some cases, swollen gums may also be accompanied by tenderness or pain.
Because there’s no bone loss yet, this conservative approach gets rid of harmful oral bacteria before the disease has a chance to progress. Buildup of dental plaque is the No. 1 cause of periodontal disease. Plaque contains many different kinds of bacteria that can potentially infect your gums. That’s why you’re more likely to get gum disease if you have poor oral hygiene.
Teeth may become very loose or even fall out due to the lack of adequate support. There may be significant gaps and spaces in the mouth, affecting chewing and overall oral function. Without intervention, this stage can lead to complete loss of the natural teeth, potentially requiring extensive dental treatment such as extractions and dentures. The inflammation worsens, and the pockets between the teeth and gums deepen. This allows bacteria to penetrate deeper, leading to more destruction of the bone supporting the teeth.
Conclusion
Early detection of gum disease is crucial for preventing further damage to your oral health. If you notice any signs of bleeding or swollen gums, it is important to schedule a dental appointment for a thorough examination. Your dentist can provide treatment options to help manage and reverse the effects of gum disease. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent gum disease from developing in the first place.
