Dental problems can be a hassle. Not only can they be uncomfortable and, in some cases, extremely painful, but left untreated, the problem can progress and become pretty expensive. Prevention is always best when it comes to your teeth. Practicing good dental hygiene and knowing how to recognize early signs of gum disease can protect the health of your mouth and prevent major dental issues down the road. For preventative and dental implant services in White Marsh, MD, you can count on Dental Designs of Maryland-White Marsh.
Our Dental Designs of Maryland-White Marsh team proudly provides comprehensive dental care when you see early signs of gum disease. Learn more about our extensive list of dental services by reaching out to our friendly team online or at 410.834.4284.
What Are the Early Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, a condition where the gums become inflamed. This inflammation is caused by bacteria on the teeth and gums that have not been properly removed with regular brushing and flossing. If you address gingivitis before it progresses, you can protect your teeth and gums from further damage. Without good oral hygiene and cleanings, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the bacteria build up in the pockets between the teeth and gums, and the teeth can begin to loosen. You can lose teeth if you ignore the problem for too long — gingivitis and periodontitis are the leading causes of tooth loss.
To protect the health of your mouth, know how to spot the early signs of gum disease. Common early signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain when chewing food
- Redness in the gums around the teeth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Receding gums
If you notice any of these signs of gum disease, you must take action immediately. Schedule an appointment at Dental Designs of Maryland-White Marsh to determine if you have gum disease and how far along it is. If you address it early, you may only have gingivitis and can nip it in the bud with a thorough cleaning. If it continues, you may develop periodontitis, leading to permanent damage to your teeth and bones.
Do I Need a Periodontist?
If you spot early signs of gum disease, you do not necessarily need a periodontist. If the issue is addressed early enough, your dentist will be able to help you get a handle on gingivitis. However, you may need to see a periodontist if:
- Your general dentist determines that you have periodontitis.
- There is damage to your gums or bones from gum disease.
- Your teeth are loosening due to gum disease.
Your dentist can perform certain procedures to help counteract the effects of the early stages of gum disease. However, a periodontal test has specialized training in dental issues involving the bone and tissues of the mouth.
What Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease?
Taking good care of your teeth with proper dental hygiene and regular cleanings is essential for preventing gum disease. However, some risk factors for gingivitis and periodontitis go beyond your daily oral habits, including:
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Substance abuse
- Diet high in sugar
- Medications
- Autoimmune conditions
Even if you are not at high risk for gum disease, you should still be alert for the early signs of gum disease. The earlier you catch it, the better the chance that no permanent damage is done.
Contact Dental Designs of Maryland-White Marsh to Treat Early Signs of Gum Disease
At Dental Designs of Maryland-White Marsh, we realize that visiting the dentist is not the most enjoyable activity. We aim to help you and your family feel comfortable in our office, and we pride ourselves on providing superior customer service. If you have questions or suspect you may have gum disease, reach out to us online or at 410.834.4284 to schedule a consultation.