What are the First Signs of Gum Disease and How Can You Prevent It?
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can appear to be quite mild and intermittent in the early stages. You may notice a slight amount of blood when you spit out your toothpaste after brushing your teeth but because this may not be every day you may dismiss it as a one-off perhaps through brushing a little too hard.
This symptom is one of the first signs which may indicate the beginnings of gum disease and it is one you should dismiss at your peril. Gum disease can if left untreated, develop into something far more serious than minor bleeding.
Gum disease is an issue which the professionals at Bosden Farm Dental are regularly called on to treat.
Other Symptoms
If you do see blood in the toothpaste or on your dental floss this is the time to look out for any other signs that all is not well with your gums. Take a good look at your gums and note the colour.
They should ideally be pink, so if they are a bright red or purplish this could be gum disease. Other signs to look out for include:
- Pain when chewing food
- Sensitivity in teeth which could indicate receding gums
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath which continues even after brushing
- Toothache
- Loose teeth
If that’s the case, it is recommended that you head to a nearby dentist to get treatment. For instance, check out this dentist in seattle wa or research for a reputable one near you for the best treatment options.
What Causes Gum Disease?
There can sometimes be a genetic element or hormonal changes which can cause gum disease. Occasionally it can be a side effect of illness, lifestyle or certain medications.
By far the greatest contributor to gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
When you eat, food particles can become trapped in spaces between your teeth and the gum-line or in the spaces between your teeth. If you then do not brush your teeth properly, these particles start to produce bacteria which combine with the sugars in food to form plaque.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
For most people, gum disease is the easiest thing in the world to prevent, simply by having a good oral hygiene routine. A major part of this should mean making regular visits to your dentist who can identify any issues with your teeth and gums before problems arise.
If you think you may already have gum disease or are not sure what to look for, a visit to your dentist is a good start. Regular dental checkups are a must to keep your teeth and gums in good health.
Gum disease can be prevented by brushing your teeth every day (twice daily) followed by regular flossing. Change your toothbrush regularly to prevent a build-up of bacteria on it and make sure you change it before you notice the bristles starting to become flattened.
Try using interdental brushes to clean the gaps between your teeth.
Make sure you eat a balanced, healthy diet which includes plenty of leafy green vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C. Drink lots of water through the day and especially after eating to flush out any food particles that may be stuck.
Avoid lots of tea and coffee and too many sugary foods and drinks. Keep sweets to a minimum.
Smoking is a big factor in bad oral hygiene as it stains the teeth and contributes to bad breath so quit smoking to see an improvement in your general as well as oral health.
Don’t let gum disease develop into irreversible tooth loss. See your dentist for advice and treatment if necessary.
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