If your gums have a red, swollen, or shiny appearance, this could indicate the presence of gum disease. If you have gum disease, you should visit a periodontist to determine the right type of gum treatment for you. If you’re concerned about the way your gums look, see your dentist for an appropriate diagnosis.
Gum disease is a very common problem, and is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults. Maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist, and being aware of symptoms that could indicate gum problems can help you ensure that your gums remain healthy. Since your gums help support your teeth, keeping your gums healthy also helps keep your teeth healthy.
Although gum disease can often progress with few symptoms, you should let your dentist know if you notice any of the following problems:
- A swollen, red, or shiny look to your gums
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss
- Sensitivity around the gum line
- Signs of infection around the gum line
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your dentist or periodontist to find out if you need gum treatment.
Treatment for Gum Disease
The type of treatment required for gum disease depends upon how severe your condition is. Gum disease typically begins with relatively minor inflammation called gingivitis. If your dentist diagnoses problems at this early stage, treatment is relatively simple. You might need a prescription toothpaste or mouthwash, a course of antibiotics, or something as simple as a baking soda toothpaste to reduce the inflammation in your gums. However, as gum disease becomes more serious, gum treatment becomes more complicated and invasive.
As inflammation progresses, you might need a deep cleaning treatment to remove all the infection and bacteria from under your gum line. If your gums have begun to pull back from your teeth, you might require surgical treatment such as gum grafts. Keeping your teeth healthy with everyday dental hygiene and by visiting your dentist regularly to have your gums evaluated can help keep you from needing complex, invasive gum treatment.
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