Are you worried you may have gum disease? You are not alone, nearly half of the adult population in the United States suffer from gum disease, and it is the main reason people visit dentists. Gum disease can manifest through gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild inflammation of the gums, and if left untreated it can turn into periodontitis which is a serious infection of the gums. It should be noted that gum disease can cause very serious oral health issues such as infected or loose teeth. The condition worsens quickly over time and it may cause you to have teeth removed. So, are you at risk? Read further to find out the symptoms of gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Bleeding gums are one symptom of gum disease. Frankly, your gums should not bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. When you notice that your gums bleed it is time to visit your dentist. To avoid bleeding gums, one must brush and floss daily at least two times a day. If you skip flossing, plaque buildup will cause inflammation of your gums, which causes the bleeding.
Gum recession is another symptom of gum disease. You may notice that your teeth look longer and that is because the gums that surround them are receding. Gum recession is a sign that your gum disease is progressing, and it is definitely time to visit a dentist near you. Through good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits, gum recession can be prevented.
Another symptom of gum disease is tooth sensitivity. If you have already experienced the first two symptoms bleeding gums and gum recession, you may then suffer from tooth sensitivity. This is when chronically inflamed gum tissue exposes the root surface of your teeth. This will cause tooth sensitivity while drinking hot or cold beverages.
Finally, high blood sugar can occur. You may feel more thirsty, have headaches, trouble concentrating, and fatigue. These are symptoms of high blood pressure, that can lead to type 2 diabetes. If you have type two diabetes your gum disease will progress even faster. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it is a very good idea to have your blood sugar tested as well.
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
To treat gum disease, you must first schedule regular dental visits for cleaning and exams. Will also need to brush and floss regularly. It is highly recommended that you floss, brush teeth and brush your tongue at least twice a day. Preferably, you will do this once you wake up in the morning, and right before you go to bed. Once you are in a good habit of regular brushing and flossing, you can revisit the dentist to see if your gum disease is improving. The goal of good oral hygiene is to disturb the plaque and bacteria from creating any more damage. If you are lucky and catch the gum disease early, you will be able to stop it from progressing.