Are you getting ‘long in the tooth’?
And no, we are not referring to your age! Have you noticed some people seem to have rather long and wobbly teeth that are especially noticeable when they smile? But is this normal and just a part of the aging process? No!
What you may be seeing are the effects of gum disease or as it is known scientifically, periodontitis.
What is gum disease & what causes it?
In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque is harmless, but some is harmful for the health of your gums. If you don't remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums.
Does it hurt?
Gum disease is often painless and without noticeable symptoms, making it hard to know if you really have it. Many symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease which will cause the gums, bones, and other tissue that support your teeth to be destroyed.
If you have advanced periodontitis, you might experience severe pain while chewing, severe bad breath, and a foul taste in your mouth.
Can gum disease be treated?
Gum disease and its effects are both treatable and curable. The level of treatment, ranging from home treatment to surgical procedures, depends on what level of gum disease you suffer from. The longer you suffer from gum disease, the more steps that are needed to cure and reverse its effects.
If you think you are suffering from any of the symptoms discussed in this article you should make the time to see your dentist so that you can get a definitive diagnosis and plan for treatment as required.
How to prevent gum disease?
Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.
Extra tips for keeping your gums healthy:
1. Floss daily.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Brush twice a day.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste.