What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

When you brush your teeth, do you also check your gums? Healthy gums keep your teeth securely in place, and protect the underlying jawbone from bacteria. Gum disease is actually really common: about half of all adults in the US have some degree of disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, but it’s a threat to more than your teeth. Research links gum disease to heart disease, stroke, and cancer risk. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of gum disease early and seek treatment to save your teeth and your health.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually is caused because of poor brushing and flossing habits. When plaque—a sticky film of bacteria builds up on your teeth and hardens, it irritates the gums.

There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can usually be reversed with professional treatment and proper at-home oral hygiene.

If left untreated, gingivitis advances into periodontitis. This is a severe form of gum disease that causes the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth. Periodontitis causes permanent damage and requires comprehensive dental treatment to address.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, the most common type of gum disease, is often identified by swollen or red gums that bleed easily when brushed. At the first sign of gingivitis it is important that you contact Marzban DDS for a complete examination. When diagnosed promptly, this type of disease can often be treated with a professional cleaning and more rigorous daily hygiene routine. Signs of gum disease include:

• Red or swollen gums

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing

• Tender or painful gums

• Bad breath (halitosis

• Receding gums

• Slight discomfort when chewing

Gingivitis doesn’t always develop into periodontitis. We’re not sure exactly what factors cause some people to develop periodontitis quickly after getting gingivitis, while others don’t. Hygiene may be part of the answer, but it doesn’t seem to be the only factor. Much of the difference seems to be genetic–how your body responds to the infection. But the exact types of bacteria that you have can also influence your risk. Sometimes, genetic testing can help identify your risk. If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis such as red or swollen gums, please contact Marzban DDS to schedule an appointment right away by calling us at 703-323-8200.

What Does Advanced Gum Disease Look Like?

Advanced disease, also known as periodontitis, can quickly develop when gingivitis is left untreated. Symptoms of this type of gum disease include:

• A bad taste in the mouth that will not respond to brushing

• Chronic bad breath

• Loose teeth

• Gum tissue pulling away from tooth roots

• Pus in between teeth

• Changes to the bite

These issues, when left untreated, may result in tooth loss and more serious complications such as jaw bone necrosis.

In addition to myriad oral health and beauty issues, advanced disease is a known risk factor for a number of systemic health problems. Capable of complicating pregnancy and interfering with blood sugar control, chronic periodontitis may also increase risks for heart disease and stroke, respiratory illness, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and a host of other potentially deadly conditions. To avoid these complications it is best to visit Dr. Marzban at the first indication of gum disease.

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?

The easiest way to prevent disease is to brush after every meal, floss morning and night, and visit our family dentistry practice twice yearly for cleanings and examinations. During your cleaning appointments, your hygienist will remove hardened plaque deposits, known as tartar or dental calculus, which can shelter oral bacteria below your gum line. This helps your body’s natural antibacterial solution (saliva) to drive out the infection.

To learn more about preventing, detecting, and treating gum disease, please call 703-323-8200 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today. Marzban DDS serves clients in Burke, Northern Virginia, Fairfax, and surrounding areas.

Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry serving clients in Burke, Northern Virginia, Fairfax, and surrounding areas.

FAQs

• What are the earliest symptoms of gum disease?

  In the early stages of gum disease your gums are often red, swollen, or tender. You may also notice bleeding when brushing or flossing and persistent bad breath.

• Do gums always bleed if you have gum disease?

  Bleeding gums are a common sign, especially when you brush or floss, but not everyone experiences this. Some people may only notice mild swelling or red gums.

• Can gum disease cause bad breath?

  Bacteria that build up along the gumline produce toxins and odors that cause chronic bad breath or persistent bad taste in the mouth which are signs of gum disease.

• Are swollen gums a sign of gum disease?

  Swollen or puffy gums are common symptoms of gum inflammation. This usually occurs when plaque and bacteria irritate the gum tissue.

• Does gum disease cause pain?

  In its early stages gum disease may not cause noticeable pain. As the condition progresses, gums may become tender, sore, or painful when chewing.

• Can gum disease cause gums to recede?

  As gum disease progresses, the gums may recede or pull away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer and sometimes exposing the roots.

• What are signs that gum disease is worsening?

  Advanced gum disease may cause persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, pus around the gums, and pain when chewing.

• When should I see a dentist if I notice symptoms of gum disease?

  You should see a dentist if you notice ongoing gum bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or changes in your gum line. Early treatment can often prevent the disease from progressing which is why it’s important to have regular bi-annual dental check-ups.