What are your gums trying to tell you about the state of your oral health?
You finally started flossing your teeth again and you noticed a little blood in the sink afterward. What could be going on? When gums are inflamed due to plaque and tartar buildup, they are more likely to be tender to the touch and bleed when you brush and floss. If this is a problem that you notice happening often then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Greensburg, PA, dentist Dr. Anthony Marchionno.
The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
The problem is that gum disease doesn’t often show symptoms until it has advanced from gingivitis (the early stages) into full-blown periodontitis. Up until this point, you may have only noticed that your gums were a bit red, inflamed, puffy and tender when brushing and flossing. These are early signs of gingivitis and should not go ignored.
As gum disease progresses you are also more likely to notice these symptoms,
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Visible gaps between the gums and the teeth
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Changes in the way your bite fits together (or the way your dentures fit)
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
These are symptoms associated with the later stages of gum disease, which means the sooner you visit your Greensburg, PA, family dentist for immediate treatment the better. Of course, the best way to detect gum disease early or to stave it off in the first place is to make sure that you are keeping up with routine dental visits every six months.
If you are at a greater risk for gum disease (e.g. you’re a smoker; you are pregnant or menopausal) then you may want to discuss with your dentist whether you should come in even more often for routine checkups and professional cleanings.
Preventing Gum Disease
Just like decay, gum disease is another common dental problem that could be prevented through proper at-home care and good oral hygiene. Anyone is at risk for developing gum disease and it’s important that you practice these habits to promote healthier gums,
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing at least once a day without fail
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet full of whole, unprocessed foods
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding, or at the very least, limiting sugars and starches in your diet
Whether you need to schedule your six-month cleaning in the next few months or you are dealing with symptoms of gum disease now, our dentist Dr. Marchionno and his team are still providing urgent dental care to patients living in Greensburg and Johnstown, PA, during the pandemic. To schedule an emergency appointment or a future appointment call us at (814) 262-7000 for our Johnstown office. For Greensburg, phone (724) 836-2911.