Early symptoms of the onset of gum disease (gingivitis) include:
Bleeding gums – Healthy gum tissue does not bleed unless provoked (brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush and/or too much pressure). Brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush is sufficient to clean teeth.
Red, swollen gums – The gingiva should be pink and firm.
Chronic bad breath – Certain foods and beverages result in bad breath; but if your halitosis is constant, this can be a sign of infection.
Teeth feel loose or appear to be pulling away from gums – You need to seek immediate care; you are in danger of losing teeth at this stage.
There are numerous ways to avoid the conditions that signify gum disease;
Do not smoke or use any tobacco products. Steer clear of sugary beverages and all forms of soda. Your diet should be comprised primarily of fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and healthy grains. An occasional sweet treat is OK, but should be saved for special occasions.
Brush at least twice every day with a fluoridated toothpaste. With the many brushing products available on the market, there is one to fit your needs. Gum sensitivity can be particularly problematic if the patient is experiencing receding gum tissue; but there are several toothpastes designed for this condition.
Floss daily. There is plain floss, flavored, waxed or unwaxed, floss tape, floss picks … so many choices.
Visit your dentist every six months for cleaning and dental exam. Once you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, more frequent dental visits may be required to keep dental plaque minimized. Your periodontist will advise you of your needed treatment schedule.
Finally, understand that even the most diligent patients can develop gum disease (very often due to zealous teeth scrubbing). It does not need to impact your entire mouth to make you vulnerable to a problem. Chewing habits and other issues such as teeth grinding can result in one or more areas of concern.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of gum disease, call our team at BC Perio and reserve an appointment today.