Gum disease is progressive, but preventable through regular dental care.
The new year is in full swing – how have you been doing in keeping up with your resolutions? Many new year’s resolutions focus in on health in some way. People start hitting the gym to try to get in shape or try to kick that smoking habit they picked up. Perhaps you made a resolution to keep better track of your oral and dental health? Probably not, though it is quite important. Not taking care of your teeth can lead to gum disease, which affects 50% of all Americans aged 30 and over, according to the CDC. The best way to prevent gum disease is to learn how to recognize the symptoms. Gum disease progresses in three stages. Here are the symptoms of each stage.
Step 1: Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is the most common stage for adults. Luckily, this stage is also reversible as long as you practice good oral hygiene. The symptoms for this stage are as follows: red and swollen gums that bleed easily when flossing and brushing, a receding gum line, and bad breath.
Step 2: Periodontitis
At the second stage, gingivitis advanced to the more serious form known as periodontitis. Periodontitis results in damage to the soft tissue and the loss of bone which supports your teeth. Gums become more swollen and brightly red. They are also more tender and sensitive to touching. Periodontal pockets can form in spaces between the teeth. Your teeth may also feel loose and won’t fit together when you bite. And bad breath, or a consistently bad taste in your mouth, may also indicate that you have periodontitis.
Step 3: Advanced Periodontitis
If you do not take care of your teeth during the second stage of gum disease, it may progress to the third and final stage. In a case of advanced periodontitis, you actually lose the bone and tissues that support your teeth. This leads to your teeth shifting and loosening, and the only remedy may be to extract problem teeth in order to remove the infection. All symptoms are more severe forms of the second stage. Your gums will be swollen and bleeding, and the gum line will be deeply receded. Periodontal pockets become deeper and bad breath is chronic.
If you suspect that you may have severe gum disease, you should see your dentist immediately for an examination to determine the best course of action to reverse it.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.