How to Detect the Early Signs of Gum Disease
How well are you taking care of your gums? Detecting the early signs of gum disease is the best way to prevent it from growing worse. September is National Gum Care Month, and Sunrise Dental is here to check up on your gum health!
What causes gum disease?
Plaque causes infections and gum diseases like gingivitis. that weaken your gums and make them pull away from your teeth, exposing sensitive areas that are not protected with enamel. Unless it is detected and treated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Nearly 50% of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease, mostly due to poor oral hygiene habits. Plaque builds up if you don’t brush and floss every day. Failure to remove plaque causes infections and chronic gum diseases like gingivitis. If you have excellent brushing and flossing habits, you’ll have a lower risk for gum disease, but you should still schedule regular appointments at your dentist.
Regular checkups and cleanings are very important for detecting and preventing gum disease. A dental hygienist can remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth—even below the gums, where brushing can’t reach. Neglecting your dental health can lead to serious problems down the road, so make sure to schedule cleanings at least twice a year.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Detecting the early warning signs is the best way to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. Symptoms of gum disease include:
- red, swollen gums
- tender, sensitive gums
- bleeding when brushing or flossing
- receding gums
- loose teeth
- changes in the way your teeth fit together
- sensitive teeth
- painful chewing
- persistent bad breath of bad mouth taste
If you have painful, bleeding, or swollen gums, call Sunrise Dental in Peoria to schedule an examination and cleaning right away. The sooner you seek care, the sooner we can provide treatment. Ongoing preventive care is essential for patients with gingivitis, because there is no cure for periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. We will create a treatment plan for you to help prevent your gum disease from growing worse.
How does Sunrise Dental treat gum disease?
When you visit Sunrise Dental for a cleaning, we will offer personalized recommendations to help you improve your oral care habits at home. Our friendly dentists can teach you the best way to care for your teeth and gums. We can also guide you toward the best products to make your oral care routines more comfortable.
At Sunrise Dental we also offer diode laser treatments to treat and prevent gum disease. The laser wand seeks out and eliminates infected tissue, destroys the bacteria that cause gingivitis, and stimulates the growth of healthy gum tissue. Laser therapy is quick, effective, and completely painless.
Contact Us
Scheduling regular appointments at Sunrise Dental is the best way to detect the early signs of gum disease. Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, call us at 623-487-4870 or visit our website to request an appointment today.
Photo by Phuong Tran on Unsplash