Gum Disease
- Posted on: Apr 15 2019
Periodontitis is a common concern, but don’t start worrying yet. This disease is preventable in many cases because, unfortunately, it usually is created when people aren’t able to properly practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings can mean more successful treatment for periodontitis. In fact, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly can greatly reduce your chance of getting gum disease at all.
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a major gum infection that leads to damage of the soft tissue of the gums and damage to the bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis can even cause teeth to loosen or fall out, if it is allowed to progress. If you are worried you may have gum disease, keep reading.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You shouldn’t be concerned about gum disease if you have gums that are are firm, a pale pink color, and fit closely around the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gum disease, on the other hand, may include:
- A change in your bite, or how your teeth fit together
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums that make teeth look longer
- Spaces growing between your teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Bad breath
- Swollen/puffy gums
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
Causes of Gum Disease
Periodontitis often begins with plaque, a sticky film composed mostly of bacteria which sits on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is created on your teeth when sugars in food interact with the bacteria in your mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque. If it is left untreated, plaque can harden under the gum line, transforming into tartar. Tartar is hard, and requires a dental professional to remove it.
If you are worried about gum disease, let us help by taking a look and talking you through what’s going on. Give us a call today at 610-861-0190 for our Bethlehem office or 610-973-2090 for our Allentown office to schedule a consultation. We want to help you have the most healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!
Posted in: Periodontal Maintenance