Know the Warning Signs of Gum Disease

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your gums on an ongoing basis, you could be suffering from gum disease. Gum disease is something that many of our patients deal with. It’s Dr. Yalamanchili’s top priority and goal to provide dental treatment in a caring and professional manner, especially when it comes to gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is caused by bacterial growth in your mouth. It’s an inflammatory condition that affects the bone and tissues in your gums and is characterized by the formation of pockets between your gums and teeth. 

If not properly treated, gum disease can get so bad that it can cause tooth loss and require you to get dental implants to restore proper mouth function. Periodontitis can also have effects on your overall health, because it’s most likely linked to other conditions, such as heart disease. 

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

The tricky thing about gum disease is that the symptoms are often subtle and difficult to recognize. Even in the late stages of gum disease, there are often few obvious signs. Some of the symptoms to keep an eye on when it comes to gum disease include:

• Red, tender, and swollen gums
• Gums that bleed while brushing or after brushing
• Receding gum line
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Persistent bad taste in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pocket that form between your gums and teeth
• Changes in your bite pattern
• Changes in the fit of your partial dentures (if you have them)

These are all signs of gum disease, and you should mention them to Dr. Yalamanchili as soon as possible. It’s also important to note that gum disease can affect your entire span of gums or just a single area around a tooth, so inspecting your gums closely is important.

How to prevent gum disease

There are a number of preventive measures you can take when it comes to battling gum disease. Some examples include:

• Brush at least twice daily
• Floss daily, ideally after meals
• Use mouth rinse to help reduce plaque buildup
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Come in to see us for checkups twice a year
• Avoid tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing tobacco 

As you can see, there are many simple actions you can take to help prevent gum disease. You don’t even have to leave the comforts of your home for most of them.

If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of gum disease, call the office or schedule an appointment online today so that Dr. Yalamanchili can effectively address your situation.