How To Spot The First Signs Of Gum Disease

Here at Mint Dental, we know how important it is to maintain a healthy smile. After all, dental health is essential, so it’s imperative to practice good dental care habits. Most problems are usually avoidable with care. But if you don’t take care of your oral health, that leaves your teeth and gums susceptible to more harmful problems.

One common issue everyone should work to avoid is gum disease, which affects millions of people around the world. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that harms the tissues around your teeth.

Gum Disease Signs To Look For

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are never a good sign. If you see blood when you brush or floss, your gums are probably irritated in some way. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. If you feel like your gums are bleeding frequently, it’s time to set a dental appointment.

Swollen or Tender Gums

If you have healthy gums, they should be firm and pink. If you have swollen or tender gums, this can also be a potential sign of gingivitis. When swollen gums reach serious levels they can even make it hard to chew or talk.

Receding gums

As gum disease gets worse, your gums can start to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria will grow. If left untreated your teeth will start to become sensitive and it can progress into tooth loss if not taken care of.

Bad breath

Nobody likes bad breath, especially when you notice it on yourself. If you have a lingering scent of bad breath that just won't go away, this could potentially be a sign of gum disease. After bacteria starts forming in your mouth, it can make your breath smell unpleasant even after brushing or using mouthwash.

Changes in Tooth Alignment

When gum disease is allowed to develop, the bone supporting your teeth gets weaker, which can cause your teeth to move around or even become loose. If you start to notice loose teeth or there’s a feeling like your teeth have shifted, make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.

If you happen to notice any of the signs mentioned above, try to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can so they can recommend a plan of action. Ultimately, trying to prevent gum disease before it develops is key. Here are some tips from Mint Dental to help keep your gums and smile healthy.

Gum Disease Prevention Tips

Brush Twice A Day

We know it sounds simple, but sometimes it's hard to make time for brushing in your busy schedule - we’ve all been there. However, it is extremely important to make brushing twice a day a conscious effort. Doing so helps get rid of plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.

Floss Daily

Flossing gets in-between your teeth to help clean the spots your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing is really important in gum disease prevention, so don't forget about it. Just brushing alone isn’t enough to prevent gum disease.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid that kills bacteria and freshens your breath. While it is quick and convenient, you must to remember that mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. You still need to brush and floss on the daily to maintain your oral health.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Fruits and veggies are not only tasty snacks, but they are good sources of nutrients for your gums because they have the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Keep track of what vitamins may be missing from your current diet and adjust to keep a balanced diet.

Schedule Your First Appointment With Mint Dental

While gum disease is a common issue and treated often, it can still cause serious problems if you don't take care of the issue in time. By watching out for the early signs of gum disease and following these prevention tips, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great.

If you think you might have gum disease, don't wait to schedule an appointment with Mint Dental. Our dentists can figure out what's going on and recommend the best treatment to get your gums back to being healthy.