gum disease symptoms and what to do about them - colgate singapore

Gum Disease Symptoms and What To Do About Them

Say “dentist,” and you think “teeth,” right? Yet, the health of your gums is also a vital concern for your dental professionals.

What’s so essential about your gums? Simply put, healthy gum tissue fits snugly around your teeth to support them. Gum disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss.

Your gums deserve the same respect as your teeth. So, learn how to tell if you have gum disease, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.

So, What’s Gum Disease?

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease has three stages.

Stage One: Gingivitis – A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis is an inflammation of gums caused by plaque (also known as dental biofilm) and tartar build-up on teeth. The positive news is that gingivitis is reversible if treated, stopping gum disease in its tracks.

Stage Two: Periodontitis – Untreated gingivitis could turn into periodontitis. This disease infects gum tissue more seriously, causing gum pockets and infection of bone tissue.

Stage Three: Advanced Periodontitis – At this point, your gum pockets cause the gum tissue to detach from your teeth. This detachment can lead to your teeth becoming loose and falling out.

Also, other health conditions might develop from gum disease as bacteria by-products enter your bloodstream.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a silent infection; millions of people might not know they have it. If you’re unaware of any plaque or tartar build-up, how do you know if you have gum disease?

Signs of common gum disease can alert you to the fact that there might be a problem. If you experience any symptoms noted below, make a dentist appointment asap.

Gum disease symptoms include:

  • Swollen, red gums
  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
  • Bleeding gums when eating, especially hard foods
  • Longer-looking teeth and receding gums
  • Tender-to-the-touch gums
  • Spaces developing between teeth and gums, causing pockets to form
  • A buildup of pus between teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Mouth sores
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • Teeth becoming misaligned
  • Different fit with partial dentures

If you have any of these symptoms, your dentist can confirm if you have gingivitis or periodontitis – and tell you what treatment is necessary.

What Is the Treatment for Gum Disease?

Gingivitis Treatment: Your dentist can perform a two-step deep-cleaning procedure called dental scaling and root planing. Remember, treatment for gingivitis can reverse gum disease.

Gingivitis Treatment: If your gums develop periodontitis, your dentist will usually refer you to a periodontist – a gum disease specialist. Periodontitis treatment usually requires surgical procedures, such as:

  • Pocket reduction to remove bacteria
  • Gum graft surgery
  • Regenerative procedures
  • Plastic surgery

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Be a dental-care action hero by taking these steps to zap plaque and banish periodontal disease:

Visit your dentist twice annually, or at the very least once a year: By getting regular check-ups and cleanings, your dental professionals can spot early gum disease – even if you don’t experience symptoms. And then they can treat and possibly stop gum disease from advancing.

Make your home oral health care routine non-negotiable: Even if you’re rushed in the morning or bone-tired at night, we know you can find two minutes or so twice a day to remove plaque.

  • With fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, brush your teeth properly at least once in the morning and once before bedtime.
  • Floss once a day (maybe after brushing at night). Also called interdental cleaning, flossing removes plaque from the areas brushing doesn’t get to
  • Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily
  • Replace your toothbrush at least every three months to keep the bristles at their most effective

Keep healthy in mind and body: Your oral health can affect your overall health – and vice versa. Since certain risk factors might increase your chance of developing gum disease, maybe it’s time to do the right things:

  • Eat a balanced diet, which includes not going overboard on plaque-loving sugar and other carbs. (Diabetes is a risk factor.)
  • Give up smoking and other tobacco products – including chewing tobacco.
  • Switch from medications that cause dry mouth to ones that don’t.
  • Reduce your stress. Meditation, yoga, exercise, keeping a gratitude journal, changing your lifestyle – whatever decreases your stress is a good thing even if your gums are in perfect condition.

By taking preventative action, your gums should have a long, happy, pink and disease-free life.

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