Gum or Periodontal Disease Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Periodontitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end - if not properly treated - with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.
It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. However, the following can be symptoms of gum disease:
Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Pus between teeth and gums
Pain when chewing
Loose or shifting teeth
Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a professional dentist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease. The professional team at Avalon Dental Center in Cambridge and Somerville, MA provide Free and impartial advice about your oral health, just contact one of our offices in Boston Area.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
During a dental exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler. This probing is a way to check for inflammation. It also measures any pockets around your teeth. A normal depth is 1 to 3 millimeters. A professional dentist may also order X-rays to check for bone loss.
Talk to professional dental team at Avalon Dental Center, MA about risk factors for gum disease as well as your symptoms. This can help diagnose your gingivitis.
Proper and consistent oral hygiene can prevent gum disease. This includes:
visiting a professional dentist regularly
brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
flossing your teeth every day
Eating a balanced diet is also important to achieving and maintaining good dental health.
Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are very important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
If you have any questions about your oral health, please feel free to book our FREE consultation by professional dentists team at Avalon Dental Center in Cambridge and Somerville, MA
