Don't Ignore These Signs Of Gum Disease

Don't Ignore These Signs Of Gum Disease

Do your gums bleed easily? Bleeding gums are one of the symptoms of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Although bleeding gums may seem like a minor inconvenience, ignoring this and other gum disease signs can be detrimental to your oral health. Richard Linden, D.D.S. and Maria Linden, D.D.S., your Naples, FL, dentists at Linden Dental, P.A., share a few signs that may indicate that you Gum Diseasehave the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?

Common gum disease signs and symptoms include:

  • Red, bleeding or swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pain when you chew
  • Loose teeth or dentures
  • Sensitive teeth

What happens if I ignore my symptoms?

Gum disease can eventually cause pockets to form in your gums. Pockets develop when your gums pull away from your teeth, creating openings that soon become filled with bacteria. If you don't treat gum disease, it can damage your jawbone and even cause tooth loss. Gum disease is linked to rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, dementia, premature birth and diabetes. Scientists think that those problems occur when the bacteria in your gums travel to other parts of your body.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque by brushing and flossing daily is very important. If plaque remains on your teeth, it will eventually turn into a hard deposit called tartar that can only be removed by special dental instruments. When tartar forms on the gum line, it can cause gum disease.

Visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations will help reduce your risk and ensure that you'll receive prompt treatment if you do show signs of the disease. Regular dental exams are particularly important if certain factors increase your risk of developing gum disease, such as if you smoke or have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, a compromised immune system, nutritional deficiencies or a family history of gum disease.

Reduce your gum disease risk by visiting your dentist every six months. Call Drs. Richard Linden and Maria Linden, your Naples, FL, dentists at Linden Dental, P.A., at (239) 593-0777 to schedule an appointment.