How do you know if you have gum disease? Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and periodontitis is the advanced stage and the effects on your oral health are profound. Gingivitis is quite common, and with treatment is often reversible. Once is advances as it is left unchecked, serious consequences can ensue. Gum disease is basically where harmful oral bacteria damage your oral tissues. Today we are going to review what to look for if you aren’t sure you are showing signs of this disease.
1- Do you have dry mouth all the time? This condition affects the production of saliva, and lowered levels make you more susceptible to gum disease. One possible cause may be the medication you are taking. You can check the side-effect list of your medication to find out, and then speak with your doctor about a possible substitution.
2- Are your gums sensitive to the touch? Do they look like they are receding? Are they swollen, bleeding, tender or inflamed?
3- If your gums bleed while you eat or brush your teeth, you may have gum disease.These are all indicators of gum disease.
4- If you habitually partake of tobacco in any form, you are more vulnerable to gum disease. We strongly encourage you to ditch this habit, for the sake of your smile as well as your overall health.
5- Look in the mirror and check for unusual signs in your gums. Do you have a gummy smile? Do your gums have pockets? Do you have any loose teeth? Are any tooth roots exposed?
6- If you have chronic bad breath that never seems to diminish no matter what you do, you may have gum disease.
If any of these conditions apply to your smile, we invite you to come in for timely treatment with our dentist. Give our Amber Leaf Family Dental team a call at 952.881.0504 today. Dr. Frank Russomanno, Jr. and our team in Bloomington, Minnesota are here to help you protect your oral health!