What are gum disease symptoms?

Gum disease is virtually pain free so your symptoms to catch the disease will be visual in nature. To understand the disease, we need to first address what causes the disease. Then we can watch the advancement of the disease as it progresses and the symptoms associated with that advancement. We’ll conclude with the best way to treat the disease.

The Cause of Gum Disease

Brushing your teeth is crucial when it comes to gum disease. If you do not brush regularly you leave a sticky substance sitting on your teeth called plaque. This plaque harbors millions of bacteria. The plaque and bacteria will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. As the plaque progresses down the tooth and comes in contact with the soft tissue of the gums it will immediately infect the gums.

Gum Disease Symptoms, Stage One

When you now look in the mirror the very first sign of gum disease is that the tissue is becoming swollen and the pink color is changing and becoming darker. This stage is called gingivitis. This stage is easily reversible. It is reported that 47% of the adults in America over the age of 30 have at least some level of gingivitis.

Gum Disease Symptoms, Stage Two

If you have not yet addressed the advancing gum disease you will be allowing it to enter the next stage called periodontitis. Your symptoms now include a tenderness to the touch and the gums will begin to bleed. You may notice this if you do brush and your tooth brush comes out a bit pink. The gums will begin to now pull away from the teeth creating pockets. These pockets only serve to further advance the disease by allowing food particles to collect in those pockets further infecting the tissue. At this stage permanent damage can set in. You can experience bone loss, loose teeth and even the possibility of losing a tooth.

How to Correct Gum Disease

The easiest way to correct gum disease is to prevent gum disease. The health industries strongly suggest that you brush your teeth twice a day. When you do brush you should take at least two minutes each time. You should also replace your tooth brush every six months. The next step in prevention is to also floss at least once a day to remove the hard to reach areas between the teeth. No plaque, no gum disease. Now, there are other contributors such as family history of certain oral medications. If you also exercise the next step of prevention which is to see your dentist twice a year they can help you evaluate and monitor any potential gum disease symptoms. They will take x-rays to keep track of your oral health below your gums and then they will professionally clean your teeth. This effort uses tools that scale off any stubborn plaque. They can also scale below the gum line to wear your tooth brush can’t reach. Prevention is the key. Exercise good oral hygiene and avoid gum disease.

More on Gum Disease : Gum Disease Treatments