Also known in its early stages as gingivitis, gum disease is exactly what it sounds like: a disease of the gums. If not addressed soon enough, gum disease can escalate into periodontitis, which causes irreversible damage. Stay aware of signs of gum disease and reach out to your Denver family dentist as soon as any concerns arise. Our team here at Gentle Smiles of Colorado is here to support you.
Causes of Gum Disease
Any time your gums are more sensitive, such as during hormonal changes or when a patient has contracted another disease, your likelihood to develop gum disease increases. Poor oral hygiene habits, a family history of dental disease, and harmful habits like smoking can also contribute to your odds of developing gum disease. If your teeth are not positioned tightly and properly together, you’re more likely to have traces of food and bacteria trapped between your teeth. Bacteria can infect your gums and, if left unchecked, this infection can escalate in pain and permanent damage.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You will likely notice an increase in pain and sensitivity in your gums. Be aware of abnormal swelling in your gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth, or an overall escalation of sensitivity in your gums. You may also experience an increased frequency or severity of bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. As bacteria and infection develop, pockets will form between your gum and tooth and there may be shifting of your teeth’s placement in your mouth.
Gum Disease Treatment
Again, the earlier you can catch gum disease and seek treatment, the better your chances are at preventing long-term damage. Your dentist will be focused on restoring the gum of your health, thereby restoring the attachment of your gums to your teeth. If you get help early enough, you can avoid surgery and reduce the negative impacts of gingivitis by making some changes to your oral hygiene habits, such as making your at-home routine more rigorous and seeing your family dentist more frequently. If the gum disease has progressed into periodontitis and permanent damage has been done, you will need surgery.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment with Gentle Smiles of Colorado Today!
At the end of the day, the overall upkeep of your oral health is the best way to both prevent and catch health concerns in your mouth. Visiting your general dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth daily is critical to the health of your whole body. Contact us, then come visit us at one of our locations in Denver, Golden and Wheat Ridge. Our team of family dentists is happy to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful!