Did you know that over half of all Americans have some form of gum disease? From gingivitis to its more advance stages, this common problem can wreak havoc on your mouth. Bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss all happen as a result of gum disease, so it’s important to know what to look out for so you can prevent and treat it when it’s in the early stages. In this post, your premier dentist in Temple explains the signs and symptoms of gums disease. Learn more on how we can keep your smile healthy from Dr. Richard Fossum.
What Are The Stages Of Gum Disease?
Dr. Fossum explains that there are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Although some of the symptoms overlap, the signs tend to develop in a progressive nature.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gingivitis?
This first stage of gum disease can be treated with more frequent cleanings and medicated mouthrinses. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Receding gum line
- Bad breath
What Are The Symptoms Of Periodontitis?
The second stage of gum disease is more advanced, and requires extra treatment. Signs of this stage include:
- Swollen, bright red gums
- Tender gums
- Spaces between the teeth
- Pus buildup between teeth and gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth that don’t fit together properly
What Are The Symptoms Of Advanced Periodontitis?
This most advanced stage of gum disease often exhibits the following characteristics:
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen and bleeding gums
- Severe receding gums
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Loose or misaligned teeth
- Tooth loss
How Can Dr. Fossum Treat My Gum Disease?
Dr. Fossum uses his expertise in periodontal disease to treat this condition in many ways, including:
- Frequent cleanings
- Medicated mouthrinses
- Root scaling and planing
- Topical antibiotic treatment with Arestin®
- LANAP laser gum therapy
No matter what stage of this oral condition you’re in, we provide the highest quality gum disease treatment in Temple, and we have options to take care of your smile.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Your gums are important – they act as the foundation for a radiant, healthy smile. So make sure you take care of them using the following strategies:
- Brush gently for two minutes, twice a day.
- Increase your flossing to twice a day.
- See Dr. Fossum at least twice a year.
- Prioritize your oral hygiene if you have a family history of gum disease.
- Stay in shape since people at a healthier body weight have less rates of this condition.
- Limit sugar to keep oral bacteria at bay.
- Stop smoking and discontinue tobacco use.
- Don’t ignore bleeding gums – this is a serious issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Now that you know what symptoms to be aware of when it comes to gum disease, schedule your appointment with Dr. Richard Fossum today to prevent this condition with regular preventive care!