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Gum Disease

If your gums are swollen or bleed when you brush your teeth, it could be a symptom of gum disease. Many adults struggle to maintain healthy gums, even with regular brushing and flossing. Getting an evaluation and timely treatment from your dentist can save your smile.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that support the teeth. In adults, gum disease is the main factor in tooth loss.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) - Gingivitis is a serious gum condition that can be detected early with a yearly dental exam. If left untreated, some people experience no symptoms and the disease reverses on its own. With prompt treatment, it can be reversed before it advances to periodontal disease.

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) - Periodontitis is defined by the loss of bone supporting the teeth. This loss is caused by an inflammation of the gums' inner layer that pulls away from its position around your teeth. Advanced periodontitis typically occurs when these pockets form between the gum and your tooth structure.

Causes of Gum Disease

The cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it hardens and turns into tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

Symptoms for Gum Disease

Gum disease can be difficult to spot in its early stages. Symptoms may not appear until the disease is well underway. When symptoms do materialize, they may comprise:

-Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums

-Receding gums

-Bad breath

-Loose teeth

-Sensitive teeth

It's crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems if it's not treated.

Signs of Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush, floss, or eat hard foods. They may be red, swollen, and tender. You may also have bad breath or taste metal in your mouth.

These are all signs that you have an infection in your gums. If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist right away. Plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria that develops on your teeth, is the root cause of gum disease. Plaque irritates your gums and makes them more likely to get infected.

You can help prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings.

Treatments for gum disease

There are a number of different treatments for gum disease, depending on the severity of the disease. For mild gum disease, a dentist may recommend more frequent brushing and flossing, as well as the use of an antiseptic mouthwash. If the gum disease is more severe, a dentist may recommend deep cleaning, which involves scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. Gum disease treatment occasionally requires surgery.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to keep your mouth clean and healthy to prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove plaque from your teeth and gums. On your teeth and gums, plaque, a sticky coating of germs, accumulates. If plaque is not eliminated, it may solidify into tartar, which may irritate the gums.

To brush your teeth effectively, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the toothbrush against your teeth at a 45-degree angle and use gentle circular motions. Brush each tooth's front, back, and top thoroughly. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Use about 18 inches (45 cm) of dental floss or an interdental brush. Gently insert the floss or brush between your teeth and move it up and down several times. Be careful not to snap the floss into place as this can damage your gums.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. If you think you may have gum disease, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible so that they can diagnose and treat the problem.