Maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile requires more than just cleaning your teeth regularly. In order to protect your teeth and help them stay strong for years to come you also need to keep your gums healthy and strong. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss for adult patients. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undiagnosed because patients don’t understand what the symptoms of gum disease look like.
Today I’m going to review some common symptoms of gum disease and explain how gum disease progresses. Our Glendale dentists believe that the more informed our patients have, the more they can contribute to maintaining their own dental health!
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. When a patient has gingivitis his gums are often swollen, tender, and quick to bleed when the he eats or brushes. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue. Left untreated, this infection can spread and create more complications.
If gum disease is allowed to progress gingivitis can turn in to a condition call periodontitis. When a patient has periodontitis, harmful oral bacteria spread from the gum tissue to the teeth, connective tissues, and jawbone. Periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, and jaw bone deterioration. You may notice that your teeth don’t feel stable in your mouth, or that they’re shifting along the jaw line.
If you notice any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, make sure to contact your dentist right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less likely it is that you’ll suffer from long-term complications of gum disease. Give our Glendale dental office a call to learn more about gum disease symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures.