You May Have Gum Disease and Not Know It
7 Warning Signs Your Gums Need Attention
7 warning signs your gums need attention
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, don’t automatically assume you’re brushing too hard.
Bleeding gums can be one of the earliest warning signs of gum disease—and periodontal disease is much more common than many people realize.
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 42% of adults age 30 and older have some form of periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial-inflammatory disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth and, if left untreated, ultimately contribute to tooth loss. Let’s reiterate: periodontitis is an infection of the gums and jaw bone!
The tricky part?
Gum disease doesn’t always hurt.
A person can have periodontal disease developing beneath the gumline while feeling relatively normal. That’s one reason regular dental examinations are so important.
If you’re searching for gum disease treatment in Roanoke, VA, here are seven warning signs worth knowing.
1. Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss
This is one of the most common signs people overlook.
If your gums consistently bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth, it may indicate inflammation caused by plaque accumulation. Gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease—can cause gums to become swollen and bleed.
Bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean you have periodontitis, but it does mean something deserves attention.
And if you’ve recently started flossing and notice a little bleeding, don’t stop. Instead, pay attention to whether the bleeding and inflammation improve with consistent, gentle cleaning.
If bleeding persists, it’s a good reason to have your gums evaluated.
2. Your Gums Are Receding or Your Teeth Look Longer
Have you noticed that your teeth appear longer than they used to?
That may be gum recession.
Gum recession occurs when gum tissue AND jaw bone move away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or root surface. Recession can have several causes, including periodontal disease, tooth position, uneven bite forces, occasionally heavy brushing, and other individual factors.
It can also lead to tooth sensitivity because the exposed root surface is more vulnerable to temperature changes.
If you’re searching for gum recession in Roanoke, the important question isn’t simply how to cover up the recession. The first step is determining why it is happening and whether there is active periodontal disease or another contributing factor.
3. You Have Persistent Bad Breath
Everyone experiences occasional bad breath.
Persistent bad breath, however, can sometimes be associated with oral disease, including periodontal disease.
Bacteria living in plaque and periodontal pockets can contribute to unpleasant odors. If bad breath continues despite brushing, flossing, cleaning your tongue, and maintaining good oral hygiene, it’s worth discussing with your dentist.
Bad breath isn’t something you should simply have to live with.
4. Your Teeth Feel Loose or Have Started Shifting
This is a sign that deserves prompt attention.
Healthy teeth are supported by a complex system of gum tissue, periodontal ligament and bone. Periodontitis can cause destruction of these supporting structures. Advanced periodontal disease may result in tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss.
You may also notice that your teeth don’t come together exactly as they used to.
A change in your bite doesn’t automatically mean periodontal disease, but a new change in tooth position or mobility should be evaluated REGARDLESS of wisdom tooth position or other recent extractions or dental work.
5. Your Gums Look Red, Swollen or Tender
Healthy gums generally shouldn’t remain persistently red, swollen or tender.
Inflammation of the gum tissues can be an early indication that plaque and bacteria aren’t being adequately controlled.
Sometimes the problem is limited to gingivitis, which is potentially reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional care. In other cases, the inflammation is accompanied by loss of attachment or bone and has progressed to periodontitis- which is an infection of the gums and bone.
That’s why looking at your gums is only part of the diagnosis.
6. Food Frequently Gets Stuck Between Certain Teeth
If you suddenly notice that food is consistently getting trapped between the same teeth, don’t automatically assume it’s just something about the food you’re eating.
Changes in the gum tissue, tooth position, restorations, or supporting bone can alter the spaces between teeth.
Your dentist can determine whether the problem is related to periodontal health, tooth anatomy, a restoration, or another issue.
7. You Haven’t Had Your Gums Thoroughly Evaluated in Years
Perhaps the biggest warning sign is simply not knowing the condition of your gums.
A routine dental examination isn’t just about looking for cavities.
A comprehensive dental evaluation should include assessment of the gum tissues, periodontal pocket depths, bleeding, recession, tooth mobility, bone levels on appropriate X-rays, and individual risk factors.
That’s particularly important if you smoke or use tobacco, have diabetes, have a family history of periodontal disease, or have previously been diagnosed with gum disease.
What Is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
This distinction is important.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without the attachment and bone loss that characterizes periodontitis. With appropriate treatment and improved plaque control, gingivitis can generally return to health.
Periodontitis is different. It involves destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, including attachment and bone. Once periodontal attachment and bone have been lost, the disease requires ongoing management to prevent progression or recurrence.
The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable, and identifying it earlier generally gives you more options for managing it.
What Does Gum Disease Treatment Look Like?
Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the disease.
For early gum inflammation, gingivitis, treatment involves professional cleaning with specialized instruments and irrigation, improved home care, and personalized recommendations for cleaning between the teeth.
When periodontitis is present, treatment may involve scaling and root planing, commonly called a “deep cleaning” or “periodontal therapy.”
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. It also disinfects the gum tissue with antimicrobial medications and flushes biofilm from underneath the gum tissue. The ADA identifies scaling and root planing as an initial nonsurgical treatment option for periodontitis. Additional treatment may include saliva testing to determine exactly what bacteria are present, laser treatment to further disinfect tissue, and local or systemic antibiotics.
Not everyone needs a deep cleaning.
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation should determine whether someone needs a routine preventive cleaning, gingivitis therapy, periodontal therapy, periodontal maintenance, or referral to a periodontist.
In more advanced cases, referral to a periodontal specialist may be appropriate.
Do I Need a Periodontist?
Not necessarily.
A general dentist can diagnose periodontal disease and provide treatment for many patients.
Some patients, however, may benefit from evaluation by a periodontist particularly when periodontal disease is advanced, difficult to control, associated with significant bone loss, or requires specialized surgical treatment.
At LAT Dentistry, we believe patients should receive the level of care that’s appropriate for their individual situation. Sometimes that means treating periodontal disease in our office; sometimes it means coordinating care with a periodontal specialist.
The goal isn’t to sell you a particular treatment.
The goal is to identify the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Gums?
You don’t need a complicated routine to take better care of your gums.
The basics still matter:
· Brush twice a day with a recommended toothpaste.
· Clean between your teeth every day.
· Don’t ignore persistent bleeding.
· Avoid tobacco products.
· Keep up with recommended dental examinations and professional cleanings.
· Tell your dentist about changes in your gums, teeth or bite.
· If you’ve already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, follow your recommended periodontal maintenance schedule.
· A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber and water is important to encourage healthy bacteria to grow.
The ADA emphasizes that individualized home-care recommendations can be particularly important for patients who have increased risk for periodontal disease.
What About Gum Disease and Your Overall Health?
Research has found associations between periodontitis and several systemic health conditions- heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, adverse pregnancy outcomes and other systemic conditions.
Your mouth is part of your body. Maintaining healthy gums helps protect the structures that support your teeth, reduces inflammation and infection in the mouth, and is an important part of overall preventive healthcare.
Virginia’s Department of Health likewise emphasizes oral health as an important component of overall health and wellness.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Consider scheduling a comprehensive dental evaluation if you have:
· Gums that regularly bleed
· Persistent bad breath
· Gum recession
· Red or swollen gums
· Tooth sensitivity associated with gum recession
· Loose or shifting teeth
· Changes in your bite
· Food consistently getting trapped between teeth
· A history of periodontal disease
· Risk factors such as tobacco use or diabetes
· Or simply haven’t had your gums evaluated recently
You don’t have to wait until your gums hurt.
In fact, periodontal disease can progress without significant pain. Identifying problems earlier can give you more opportunities to preserve your natural teeth and maintain your oral health.
Looking for a Dentist in Roanoke, VA?
If you’ve been searching for a dentist in Roanoke, VA, a dentist near me in Roanoke, or even the best dentist near me in Roanoke, don’t choose a dental office based solely on whether they offer cleanings or “take your insurance.”
Look for a dental practice that takes the time to evaluate your entire oral health—not just your teeth.
At LAT Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to dental care, including evaluating the health of your gums and the structures supporting your teeth. We also file all major insurance policies on your behalf and have the insurance check sent directly to you often within 2 weeks.
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, gum recession, periodontal disease, or whether you need a deep cleaning in Roanoke, VA, we’d be happy to evaluate your individual situation and help you understand your options.
Healthy gums aren’t just about having a nicer smile. They’re part of keeping your natural teeth healthy for life.
Schedule an Evaluation at LAT Dentistry
LAT Dentistry
1113 Piedmont St SE
Roanoke, VA 24014
540-904-4020
If you have noticed persistent bleeding, gum recession, tooth mobility, or other changes in your gums, don’t wait for pain to tell you something is wrong.
Early evaluation can make a difference.