How to Tell if You Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common condition that affects many people. Having healthy gums contributes to having healthy teeth, and overall positive health. If you want to care for your gums, but aren't sure if you have gum disease, the following blog post will explain to you how you can tell if you have gum disease.
Gum disease occurs in several stages. Some gum disease is as simple as inflammation, while more severe cases consist of tissue and bone damage. If gum disease becomes too severe, tooth loss can occur. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, which consists of inflammation caused by bacteria. Bacteria is in everyone's mouth, but bacteria can combine with mucus and food particles to form plaque. Too much-hardened plaque causes tartar, which then leads to inflammation. Gingivitis symptoms include red gums, swollen gums, and gums that bleed easily.
Another type of common gum disease is periodontitis. When gingivitis is not treated, it escalates to periodontitis. Eventually, inflammation around the tooth will cause the gums to pull away from teeth. When the space between the gums and the teeth grows, this allows infections to happen easier. When this space becomes affected, periodontitis occurs. If you have tender gums, bleeding from the gums when flossing or brushing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or sensitive teeth, you may have gum disease.
Gum disease is easy to prevent. You want to make sure to visit your dentist for a semi-annual cleaning. You also want to brush your teeth and floss daily. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, a visit to the dentist can include a deep cleaning, tartar removal, root planning, and (in the most severe circumstances) surgery. Gum disease is curable, so correct this problem and improves your health at the offices of Joseph C. Lattinelli, DMD. Schedule an appointment at our office to cure your gum disease and care for your smile. You can schedule an appointment on our website or reach out to us at 212-752-7188.