Gum disease is one of the least noticeable yet most common oral conditions worldwide. Given gum disease’s potentially serious yet invisible signs, how can you protect yourself from losing your smile?
Gum disease is no laughing matter. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with it each year and millions more remain untreated, leading to rapid decay and tooth loss. Additionally, gum disease has been linked with other serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and other issues.
For these reasons, it’s highly important to understand the invisible signs of gum disease to reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions, as well as the need for costly invasive dental treatments later on.
This article will expose the top six signs of gum disease and what you can do to protect your healthy smile.
Exposing six signs of gum disease
These are some of the commonly overlooked signs of gum disease. Have you been ignoring them?
- Reddish or swollen gums.
- Bleeding gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Gaps forming between teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Receding gums.
In the initial stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, you may notice your gums becoming inflamed or reddish. This condition is typically solved with proper hygiene and a simple hygiene treatment with your dentist.
If left untreated, gum disease may progress to the next stage, called periodontitis. Here is where you may begin to notice small amounts of blood in the sink when brushing or flossing. Other signs of this disease may include loose or sensitive teeth since the infection has likely spread and is now slowly harming the teeth and gum tissue.
The good news is that there are practical treatment plans designed to save your smile and health if you do have gum disease. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above, contact your dentist immediately to address the problem before matters get worse.
Assess your risk of gum disease with this quiz
Did you know 80% of adults will have gum disease during their lifetime?
Take this five-minute online quiz by Delta Dental to find out if you are at risk of developing gum disease.
How to prevent gum disease at home
When it comes to your self-image and health, be proactive and prevent problems from developing in the first place. To protect yourself and your family from gum disease, proper hygiene, and regular dental checkups are necessary.
Prevent gum disease by following these important steps:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
- Floss daily.
- Schedule a dental exam and cleaning every six months.
- If you smoke, quit. Talk to your medical doctor for assistance to break this harmful habit.
Do not ignore the signs of gum disease
Gum disease’s invisible signs and multiple stages may build up secretly until a potentially severe condition develops!
If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, loosening teeth, or receding gums, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Maintain good hygiene at home and make it a priority to have regular dental visits. With planning and prevention, gum disease doesn’t have to rob you of your health and happiness!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
