Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is essentially an infection of the tissue that holds teeth in place. Unfortunately, it’s often painless and without noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to determine whether you have it. Many people experience delayed symptoms that don’t become evident until an advanced stage of the disease, commonly known as periodontitis, develops. Please continue reading to learn some of the warning signs of gum disease and why scheduling an appointment with our gum disease treatments/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ, is in your best interest.
What Are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease?
As mentioned above, gum disease typically doesn’t show any warning signs until it has developed to a severe stage. As such, it’s always in your best interest to visit your dentist for regular cleanings, as early detection is crucial. At the appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and determine a prevention or treatment plan for gum disease.
The most prevalent warning signs of periodontal disease are swollen, sore, or bleeding gums. Healthy gums generally don’t bleed when you brush and floss. If you neglect good oral hygiene, the dental plaque created by bacteria in your mouth will build up and eventually destroy the fibers that attach your gum tissue to your teeth. This will make your gums irritated, red, swollen, or sensitive and thus susceptible to bleeding. If you notice swollen, sore, or bleeding gums, it’s likely a sign that you have developed the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis.
If you notice that your teeth appear longer, it could be a sign of gum disease. Gum recession, the loss of gum tissue around the tooth, can expose root surfaces. This is a serious health concern because it increases the risk of decay, infection, and loss; in addition to these health concerns, gum recession also leads to aesthetic disfigurement and tooth sensitivity issues. Gum recession occurs gradually over time. If it’s not addressed early during regular dentist visits, deep periodontal pockets will emerge and require surgical treatment to stabilize the advance of the disease to prevent any more bone loss.
You may have dentin hypersensitivity if you experience uncomfortable sensations in your teeth when you consume hot or cold drinks. This is caused by exposed teeth roots, worn down tooth enamel, and even, in some cases, gum recession. The gums cover the tooth roots. Therefore, if they have no enamel to protect them, the dentin will transmit directly to the nerves inside your teeth. Furthermore, while we all are guilty of having and breathing occasionally, it usually goes away after eating breath mints, using mouthwash, or brushing our teeth. However, having bad breath, also known as halitosis, could indicate poor oral health due to gum disease. You should look out for persistent bad breath as it may be a warning sign of gum disease.
If you suspect you may be suffering from gum disease, please don’t hesitate to contact the dental professionals at Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, who can help you take the necessary steps to have the healthiest smile possible.
