Millions of adults in the US have some form of gum disease, though estimates suggest that a large majority of these adults don’t know that they do. In its early stages, gum disease, or gingivitis, can be stealthy. Symptoms might be subtle, or there may be no symptoms at all. Thankfully, one of the objectives of every dental checkup is to evaluate for gum disease, so even asymptomatic people can get early treatment, stopping the condition, if they’re seeing their dentist regularly. Without regular dental checkups and cleanings, however, gingivitis can progress and cause significant damage. Pay attention to possible symptoms of gingivitis, and call your dentist to make an appointment if you notice anything unusual.
Possible symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen gums
- Visibly red or discolored gums
- Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
- Gums that bleed when you eat or bite down
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums, which may make the teeth appear longer than normal
- Sensitive or tender gums
- Mouth pain
- Spaces or pockets between the gums and teeth
- The presence of pus between the gums and teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Loose or misaligned teeth
Some of these symptoms indicate that gingivitis has progressed and is damaging or destroying more oral tissues than just the gums, while others might indicate gum disease in its early stages. Prompt attention from a dentist can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, which is an important first step toward treatment.
There are several treatment options for gingivitis. Generally, dentists begin with the least-invasive, least-complex treatment first, with the goal of removing any sources of infection and returning the gums and oral cavity to health. In the earlier stages of gingivitis, a professional dental cleaning or periodontal “dental deep clean,” possibly combined with antibiotic treatment, is often sufficient to nip gingivitis in the bud. When the disease has progressed and begun damaging more of the oral tissues, surgical methods might be needed. This may include laser procedures or surgical procedures that aim to remove dead or diseased tissue and bacteria, and it could include gum grafts and bone grafts. Bone grafts are especially important when the bone has begun to reabsorb into the body, which happens when attachment ligaments are destroyed, and the teeth fall out. The optimal way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants, which require plenty of healthy bone for support, and bone grafts are often the first step of any implant-based dental restoration.
Ideally, you’ll seek professional help for your gum disease long before the teeth or bones are threatened. Maintaining a routine with your dentist, visiting every six months (or more often if that’s what your dentist recommends), is a great way to head gum disease off before it can do too much damage. Adopting and sticking to effective oral hygiene habits also helps prevent gum disease, and quitting smoking, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet contribute to the health of the gums. If you notice any symptoms of gum disease or if anything seems amiss with your oral health, make an appointment with your dentist. Early intervention could prevent the need for complicated, time-consuming, expensive procedures in the future and help you keep your smile healthy and whole.
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