A lot of people suffer from gum disease but don’t actually realize it, but thankfully, we are here to help! Gum disease is an unfortunate and harmful infection that affects the gums in a person’s mouth. Are you wondering if you have gum disease? In this article, we go over what gum disease is and how to tell if you have it. Being aware of what gum disease looks and feels like can be helpful if you think you may be suffering from it. Read more to find out more about gum disease as well as how to determine whether or not you have it.
First and foremost, it is important to understand what exactly gum disease is.
Gum disease is a general term because there are a lot of different bacterial infections that can affect the gums. However, in general, when the gums are infected, it ends up causing disease if it doesn’t get treated. Another name for gum disease is periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory condition of the gums and the supporting bone. There are two types of gum disease that most commonly affect people - gingivitis and periodontitis.
These are the most common signs that may indicate that you have gum disease. A lot of these signs go unnoticed, but they are definitely red flags.
One of the biggest signs that you have gum disease is if your gums are bleeding. Bleeding gums indicate that there is an infection present. While some light bleeding is normal, the gums should never bleed continuously or every time you brush your teeth.
Another thing to be aware of is receding gums. When the gums begin to pull back, which may make the teeth look longer, the gums are beginning to recede. Dentists cannot reverse receding gums and they need to address them immediately.
One sign that most people don’t notice is that of bad breath. Often times, it gets blamed on lack of oral hygiene or eating too much garlic, but if bad breath is continuous, it may indicate that gum disease is present. When the gums are diseased, it is due to bacterial growth. The bacterial growth will cause the entire mouth to smell foul.
If you notice that your gums are extremely red and swollen, then it may indicate that the gums have an infection. Any inflammation, swelling or red coloring may mean that the gums aren’t in the best shape possible. The gums are supposed to be pink and strong, not red and tender.
If you’re fearing that your gums have an infection, then it may be best to consult with a dentist or periodontist. Any of these signs may indicate that you do have gum disease and it needs immediate attention. We are here to help! Whether you have questions or concerns, we can be of assistance. Give us a call or stop by our office.
Request an appointment here: https://russikoffdentistry.com or call Russikoff Family Dentistry at (818) 483-9078 for an appointment in our Northridge office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Biomimetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on preserving intact teeth and restoring them to their natural look and function. This type of dentistry has been around for several years and has continued to gain moment as adhesive dentistry, which advanced the techniques and capabilities of preserving healthy teeth. Biomimetic dentistry can preserve natural…
An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…
Your first visit to a new dental office can be a time of great anxiety, especially since you do not know what to expect. The good news is that going to a new dentist is simple, and by understanding what the first visit will entail, you can make sure you are prepared. The dentist will…
A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive…
Biomimetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on preserving intact teeth and restoring them to their natural look and function. This type of dentistry has been around for several years and has continued to gain moment as adhesive dentistry, which advanced the techniques and capabilities of preserving healthy teeth. Biomimetic dentistry can preserve natural…
An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…