Gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontitis, is a condition of the gums that are inflamed due to plaque and tartar that hasn’t been removed properly through oral hygiene. Gum disease can start out as simple inflammation, such as gingivitis, and can escalate to a more serious condition that causes damage to the soft tissue and bone in your mouth which support the teeth. Untreated, you may start to notice loose teeth that may eventually fall out or decay.
Gum Disease Can Start at Any Age
Young people may feel like they’re immune to gum disease (and everything else!) but the sad truth is that gum disease often starts in young adults, and most of the time it progresses without any symptoms. This means that if you are in your late teens or early twenties, you may already have gum disease without any of the usual symptoms of red, tender, swollen gums and bleeding when brushing. This is why it is vital for people of all ages to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a teeth cleaning. During your cleaning, your hygienist will be able to assess the health of your gums and will be able to tell if you are developing gum disease. One of the main ways to prevent gum disease is through flossing and brushing daily, as well as eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
Signs of Gum Disease
As we said before, gum disease often progresses without symptoms, but when it does present symptoms it often includes:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums (especially when flossing)
- Painful chewing or loose teeth
- Receding gums or your teeth appearing longer
How to Treat Gum Disease
One of the best ways to treat gum disease is to see your dentist and practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily. At Vann Family Dental, we offer Arestin® gum treatment which is a powerful antibiotic powder that will significantly treat your symptoms and help your gum disease from progressing further.
If you are concerned about your gums, please come see Dr. Vann today! Schedule an appointment online or simply call our friendly team.