Even when you are regular with your dental hygiene habits, you may end up with gum disease. Healthy gums support your teeth, and therefore, keeping a watch on the symptoms and signs of periodontal disease is particularly important. Here’s what you must know about periodontal disease and when to visit a dentist in riverside.
Understanding gum disease
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Some people have no symptoms of gingivitis, while others may experience bleeding from the gums and unusual swelling. Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets, which may eventually lead to teeth loss.
Identifying gum disease
The most common and identifiable symptom of gum disease is bad breath. If you find that you are constantly battling bad breath, even when you are brushing and flossing as usual. Other common symptoms include swollen gums and unusual bleeding. Some patients also experience toothaches and pain while eating, especially chewing food. If your gum disease has advanced, you may have loose teeth, which need immediate attention.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors for gum disease, including the use of tobacco products, and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. People who don’t adhere to their dental hygiene habits may also experience common symptoms of gum disease. There is also some evidence that gum disease could be genetic, which means having a family member with a history of gum disease could increase your chances. If you have never seen a dentist or haven’t been regular with your checkups and cleanings, you could be at a higher risk of gum disease.
How is the diagnosis done?
Your dentist will do a routine exam and check your medical history to determine whether you have periodontitis. If you do, they will do the initial examination and evaluate the symptoms of inflammation. The pockets around the teeth are typically checked to find signs of periodontitis.
The treatment for gingivitis
If you have early signs of gum disease, your dentist will usually do a professional cleaning, which involves removing plaque and tartar. Once the bacterial infection is taken care of, the gums will heal with time, and for most patients, further treatments are not necessary. Your dentist will also share tips and products to prevent gingivitis in the future.
Do not ignore signs like bleeding or swollen gums. Talk to a dentist to understand whether you should take additional steps to prevent gingivitis.
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