Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease!

Part of a healthy dental routine is brushing and flossing every day, and if you aren’t brushing properly, you could be at risk for gum disease. If it is left untreated, this disease can cause major dental problems. In this blog post, Monroe Family Dentistry of Greenville, South Carolina, shares some signs of gum disease that you shouldn’t ignore. Read on to learn more!

What is gum disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues, which is what keeps your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is usually a result of poor oral health habits, like failing to brush or floss adequately and/or regularly. 

When teeth aren’t brushed properly, bacteria is allowed to grow and produce plaque, a sticky film that coats the teeth and hardens. Most of the time, plaque can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning by the Monroe Family Dentistry team. If plaque builds up, it can move to the gums, causing them to become swollen, irritated, and more prone to bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease can cause a whole host of problems, including pain when chewing, bleeding when brushing, and, in advanced cases, even tooth loss.

The Signs of Gum Disease

There are 7 signs of gum disease that shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath can be a sign of bacteria buildup in the mouth due to poor oral health habits.
2. Swollen Gums: Swollen, red, and inflamed gums are a sign that they are irritated, often from something rubbing up against them or because they have become infected. Proper brushing and flossing techniques can help prevent swollen, irritated gums.
3. Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this is a sign that you could have gum disease. Make an appointment with Monroe Family Dentistry to help get your bleeding gums under control.
4. Receding Gums: Receding gums, or gums that pull away from the teeth, need to be addressed with your dentist because as they recede, they’ll begin to expose the root of the tooth, which can cause even more discomfort and damage to your teeth.
5. Painful Gums: If you experience pain during eating, drinking, or brushing, schedule an appointment for a dental evaluation at your local Greenville, SC, dental office.
6. Pus: Any pus in your mouth is a sign of infection, and it’s always best to see the team at Monroe Family Dentistry right away to get the infection cleared up.
7. Shifting or Loose Teeth: Gum disease, if left untreated, can cause major damage to the gums. As bacteria eats away at the gums, the pockets that hold your teeth can become loose, causing your teeth to shift and loosen too. In extreme causes, this can cause the tooth to fall out altogether.

How can gum disease be prevented and treated?

The best way to avoid gum disease is by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, which include brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time, flossing at least once daily, and using a mouthwash that contains fluoride, which can help fortify the tooth’s enamel.

Another way to prevent gum disease is by keeping up with regular biannual dental checkups at Monroe Family Dentistry. Our team will thoroughly examine your mouth and teeth for any issues and follow it up with a professional cleaning, which can help prevent gum disease.

If your dentist finds you have gum disease, there are treatments that can help. A regular professional dental cleaning can help remove plaque buildup on the teeth. And a procedure called scaling and root planing works to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and allows your dentist to attempt to reattach your gums to the teeth so bacteria can’t infect the gums and cause swelling and irritation.

Another thing you can do on your own to prevent gum disease is to quit smoking, which can wreak havoc on both your oral and overall health.

Visit Monroe Family Dentistry today!

If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment to see the team at Greenville’s Monroe Family Dentistry for a dental evaluation. Our team can evaluate your entire mouth and give you a professional dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. We can also come up with a customized dental solution to help heal your gum disease.