If your gums feel tender or appear red, you might be wondering, do you have gum disease? Gum disease can give us many signs as it develops and it’s important to recognize them so that you can treat it. Read on to learn about the signs of gum disease and what you can do.
What is Gum Disease?
Before we talk about whether you have gum disease, let’s start by learning about what gum disease is and how it develops.
Gum disease is the inflammation or infection of the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth. When food debris, bacteria, or plaque accumulates on your teeth, it can irritate your gums. When it’s allowed to stay on your teeth for extended periods of time, it can cause your gums to become inflamed. Over time, chronically inflamed gums can become infected, leading to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
What are the Signs of Gum Disease?
It’s important to recognize the signs of gum disease early so that you can treat it before it progresses to more advanced and severe stages. So, do you have gum disease? How can you tell?
Signs of gum disease might include red, puffy, or swollen gums. If your gums feel tender or bleed when you floss or brush, these symptoms can also be an indication.
In more advanced stages, gum disease can cause your gum line to recede, making your teeth appear larger and increasing their sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. You might also experience discomfort when chewing.
What Can You Do About Gum Disease?
Do you have gum disease and want to know what to do next? If you notice any potential signs of gum disease, it’s important to schedule an appointment to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Treating gum disease early is the best way to prevent it from becoming more serious and impacting the long-term health of your smile.
If you believe you may be suffering from a more advanced stage of gum disease, it’s best to see a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your gums. They will be able to assist you in putting together a treatment plan to help prevent the condition from progressing further and address any issues that it’s already caused so that you can keep your smile healthy and strong.
Call our Scottsdale Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
