If you experience any symptoms of gum disease, it’s time to save your pearly whites.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral conditions worldwide, however, the signs and symptoms can be hard to recognize. Millions of people are diagnosed with the condition each year, so gum disease is no laughing matter. This disease can lead to rapid tooth loss and has even been linked with more serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Here is a simple guide to identifiable signs and precautionary measures. If you experience any of the symptoms, it’s time to save your pearly whites from distress.
Signs of Gum Disease
In the busy world that we live in, the signs of gum disease can sometimes be easily overlooked. However, detecting these signs early is the best way of preventing further, more serious health issues. The signs of gum disease include:
- Swollen/bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Gaps in between teeth
Early Stages and Treatment
In its earliest stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis causes your gums to become reddish and swollen. The good news is, if found during this stage, gingivitis can be held at bay with proper dental hygiene and treatment from your dentist.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to the next stage called periodontitis. In this stage, you may notice blood when flossing and even some teeth becoming loose due to the spreading of the infection.
Luckily, there are several dental procedures available to defeat gum disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your dentist immediately to get checked out.
Prevention Techniques
The best way to beat gum disease is to prevent it altogether. Some important prevention techniques include:
- Brushing Your Teeth
While this should be a no-brainer, brushing your teeth after every meal will remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth and gums. It is also very important to remember to scrape your tongue after brushing.
- Flossing
Flossing at least once a day is another excellent way of removing food debris from those hard to reach places of the mouth.
- Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is an effective method of removing plaque and getting rid of those pesky particles that floss and brushing alone could not remove.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking restricts blood flow, which in turn can make your mouth a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. For more information about the harmful effects of smoking on your oral health, visit here.
PREVENT GUM DISEASE WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether you need a regular check-up or a tooth extracted, Annapolis Dental Center has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and to provide the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Yelp!