Healthy gums are what you want to see – but they’re not always so easy to find.
Our gums lurk behind our lips, often going unnoticed. After all, they don’t form the most visible part of our smiles, so they’re not that important, right? In reality, without healthy gums, your overall health and appearance suffer. Those supporting structures help keep your teeth in place, and accomplishing the job they should be doing.
Glen Burnie periodontal treatment helps patients regain a sound, functional, and pain-free gum line. If you’re unsure of the signs of gum disease, read on for some tips – and schedule an appointment to make sure your gums are looking good.
Signs You May Need Gum Disease Treatment
There are a few stages of gum disease. The first is gingivitis, which can seem innocuous. It’s the later stages that gingivitis leads to that are so worrying – and that’s the reason we need to be vigilant, even with mild gingivitis.
During gingivitis, your gums become inflamed. This is due to excess plaque on your teeth, which irritates the soft tissues. If that plaque isn’t removed, gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease, at which point your gums become infected. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, and the gum line changes dramatically.
Take action at the first sign of these symptoms to help stop the onset of disease:
- Dark red or purple gums
- Sudden, persistent bad breath
- Receding gum line
- Swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when touched, or when you’re brushing
- Tenderness or other discomfort in your mouth
If you catch gingivitis early enough, simply improving your oral hygiene will make a significant difference. Flossing is also key – it strengthens the gums and helps you protect against future disease.
Have questions about fighting gum disease? Just get in touch!
