Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common but serious ailment that can develop serious complications if left untreated. For this reason, it’s important that you are able to recognize the signs of gum disease, so you can take appropriate measures in preventative care.  

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition that develops when the bacteria in your mouth damage your gums, causing uncomfortable symptoms that worsen over time. If you have gum disease and you don't get the treatment you need, you may develop a number of complications, including:

• Abscesses in your gums
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth entirely
• Bone loss

Gum disease may also contribute to other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. 

Symptoms

Luckily, gum disease doesn’t just pop up overnight. It develops over time, giving you plenty of time to recognize and address warning signs. Some of the most common warning signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen gums - You may notice that your gums become puffier and redder than they normally should be. Your gums may also bleed, especially when you floss and brush.
• Receding gums - In some cases, gum disease can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. This will make your teeth look longer than they once did. 
• Bad breath - lf you have gum disease, you may develop persistent bad breath. 
• Sores or infection - Gum disease may also lead to the development of sores, pus, or other signs of infection in the mouth. 
• Loose teeth - Gum disease loosens the teeth over time. When the condition is severe, you may even lose one or more of your teeth. 

Treating gum disease

If you have gum disease, you should seek treatment as soon as possible, before the condition worsens. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, Dr. Mehrnoosh Darj may offer several different treatment options. In some cases, you may simply need a deep cleaning. Depending on the stage of the gum disease, Dr. Darj may also apply medications to the gums to kill bacteria and promote healing. In cases where gum disease is more severe, surgical treatments may be necessary. Regardless of the treatment used, you should also learn about and practice good oral hygiene habits following treatment to prevent gum disease from recurring. 

If you have noticed one or more warning signs of gum disease, you need to make an appointment with a Dr. Darj as soon as possible. Please contact the office today to schedule an appointment. You can also book an appointment with our office online.