Early Stage Gum Disease: Preventing the problem before it happens
Gum disease is something that the vast majority of adults will experience at some stage of their lives. Identifying it early ensures you can make the required changes to your diet and daily dental routine to reduce the impact that gum disease can have on your day to day life. Below, we detail some of the early warning signs that you might be suffering from gum disease and explain how Pure Smiles can help you treat your gums and bring them back to life.
Four early signs of gum disease to watch out for
Bleeding
Most people will notice bleeding gums when brushing or flossing their teeth as the first sign of gum disease. If you find that you constantly spit out red or pink saliva after brushing your teeth, it is likely an early sign of gingivitis. It happens as a result of plaque and tartar buildup in between your teeth, which inflames your gums. This means that they’re more prone to bleeding when disturbed by the bristles of your brush.
Discolouration
When your gums bleed, it’s common to check them in the mirror to see how they look and whether there are any notable signs of inflammation. In the early stages of gum disease, your gums may appear dark red, which is in stark contrast to the light, pink colour of most people’s gums. You may also notice that your gums are puffy and inflamed, which may indicate the early stages of gum disease.
Sensitivity
For some people, the onset of gum disease causes their gums to feel particularly tender when exposed to heat and cold. You might even notice that your gums are sensitive when you’re chewing food. While gum sensitivity is a perfectly normal sensation from time to time, if it becomes a regular, daily occurrence, it could be time to visit a dentist.
Halitosis
Although halitosis (bad breath) can be caused by lots of things, it can be an early indication of gum disease. This is a result of bacteria that has built up in your mouth, which can cause your breath to smell unpleasant. If you find that using a mouthwash and regularly brushing your teeth isn’t effective, your halitosis might be a sign that you’re suffering from gum disease.
What to do if you think you have gum disease
If you think you might have gingivitis, don’t panic. Studies show that gingivitis can affect anywhere between 50% and 90% of the adult population. Still, it’s important to do something about it. At home, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash. You should also floss at least once every day and visit a dental hygienist in between regular checkups. It’s also helpful to make some changes to your diet, as food and beverages that are high in sugar can make gum disease worse. For many people, improvements in oral hygiene and slight changes to the diet can improve the health of their gums.
However, if your problems persist, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist. At Pure Smiles, our dentists will identify and treat your gum disease and provide you with a long-term treatment plan to help you maintain better dental hygiene in future. To schedule an appointment, call us today on 0203 613 3337.
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