Do I Have Gum Disease?
- Posted on: Apr 15 2019
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If you’ve experienced changes in the appearance or feel of your mouth, there is a chance it’s the beginning of gum disease. Periodontitis is a serious infection of the gums that damages soft tissue and depletes the underlying bone that your teeth hold onto. Periodontitis can even cause your teeth to loosen or fall out and be lost permanently.
Periodontitis is far too common, and is preventable in many situations. One of the biggest causes of gum disease is a lack of poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting your dentist regularly can improve your chances of successful treatment. You can greatly reduce your chance of developing this horrible infection by doing those things in the beginning. If you are concerned you or a loved one may have gum disease, keep reading.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Healthy gums are firm to the touch, pale pink, and sit tight around the teeth.
Signs and symptoms of periodontitis may include:
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- New spaces between your teeth
- Gums that feel tender
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Gums that bleed easily
- Pus developing between your teeth and gums
- Bad breath
- Bright red gums
Plaque, which naturally occurs as we eat sugary or starchy foods, can lead to gingivitis if allowed to sit on the teeth. Gingivitis is essentially irritation and inflammation on the part of your gum that sits near your teeth. The good new is gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and consistently good oral hygiene.
Unfortunately, if you do not treat your teeth, this gum inflammation can cause periodontitis, which gets worse with time. Holes or “pockets” develop between your gums and teeth that fill with tartar and bacteria. With time, these pockets become deeper and fill with more bacteria. If not treated, these pockets of infection lead to loss of tissue and bone, and ultimately you may lose one or more teeth.
If you are worried about gum disease, let us help you. Give us a call today at 805.584.1194 to schedule a consultation in Simi Valley.
Posted in: Periodontal Services
