Recognizing and Treating Gum Disease

Last updated Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

Despite what many people think, it’s not normal for your gums to frequently bleed, even when brushing them. Nor is frequent swelling, discoloration, or occasional tenderness. This is especially true when such symptoms cause you to become uncomfortable.

Many people don’t realize that these are signs of unhealthy gums. Even less know that such an infection can affect more than only your mouth. Oral hygiene is one small part of your overall well-being, and treating gum issues early can prevent serious health issues later.

In this article, we’ll help you recognize whether you or your loved ones currently have gum disease. We will also help you discover what it might do if you don’t get treatment and what to do next.

So, read on to learn how to improve your oral health with expert gum health tips and advice from Smiles by Hanna.

Why Gum Health Matters

Neglecting your gum health can have serious repercussions in both the short- and long term. Keeping them in good condition can often be the foundation of good oral hygiene, ensuring you do not suffer from issues later.

Gum disease may even lead to significant discomfort in the teeth and jaw due to inflammation. It is also closely linked to many other health issues as it does not always remain confined to the sufferer’s mouth.

Maintaining the health of your gums is also beneficial in more subtle ways. For example, it can enhance your smile. Not only because of the improved aesthetics but also because you will be less uncomfortable flexing your mouth muscles.

The Hidden Dangers of Unhealthy Gums

It is important to understand that unhealthy gums start to deteriorate due to bacteria infecting the region. This infection can begin innocuous, starting with mild swelling, but can then spread fast to other areas of the mouth and jaw.

In some cases, bacteria from gum disease can even enter the bloodstream as it gains traction. When the bacteria enters the blood, it can spread to many other areas of the body, causing infections in many other regions.

When untreated, gum disease may even advance to issues like periodontitis. This condition can result in tissue damage and even the destruction of the bones in your jaw. Over time, leaving gum disease to fester will result in the loss of one or more teeth as the area around them weakens.

Such issues affect both your mouth and your self-image. They can have a significant impact on the self-confidence of many patients. Often, this can lead to problems such as depression or anxiety, which may make it harder for the sufferer to seek out further help.

The loss of teeth also makes it much harder to eat and speak due to the change in the structure of the face. You may need to make significant changes to retain the quality of life you once had.

The good news is that awareness of these dangers is the first step in your treatment. You can discuss the issue with a professional dentist and ensure you get the healthcare you need.

Recognizing Gum Disease

Now that you have learned what makes recognizing gum disease essential, the next step is to recognize when you or someone else has it. Early detection can often help you when it comes to preventing gum disease from progressing.

As such, if you feel you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, get in contact with an expert in Gilbert, AZ. They can examine your gums to give you a definitive answer and can then discuss your next steps with you.

Common Gum Disease Symptoms to Watch For

Some of the most common symptoms of early gum disease include:

• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Discoloration of the gums
• Swollen gums
• Tender or sensitive teeth and gums
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth or a loss of a tooth without injury
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
• Development of plaque on the teeth

Many of these issues are due to the body’s immune response as it struggles to fight against the infection you may be suffering from. Also, as the bacteria accumulate, they will form large pockets between the teeth and gums, which can cause teeth to feel loose.

Stages of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Periodontitis

When you first develop gum disease, you will have what is known as “gingivitis.” This condition is a period marked by inflammation and bleeding in the teeth.

The good news is that gingivitis is not difficult to treat. You can usually resolve it with regular brushing and good oral hygiene. Methods include:

• Flossing before brushing
• Using anti-bacterial mouthwash
• Ensuring you brush 30 minutes after every meal
• Brushing three times each day
• Refraining from sugary food and drinks
• Choosing not to rinse one’s mouth after brushing

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. When this condition occurs, the bacteria enter the jaw and break down the bones within.

For many patients, periodontitis is evident due to the receding of the gums and loosening of the teeth. In less severe cases, a dentist may need to take X-rays to confirm the existence of an infection in the jaw.

The Implications of Gum Disease

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both major causes of physical and mental harm. This is true even beyond the noticeable effects on oral health. They can also have a far more wide-ranging impact than you may not expect when left to fester.

Effects of Gum Disease on Your Overall Health

As stated above, not treating gum disease can lead to bacteria entering your bloodstream and traveling around your body. If it infects other areas, it can cause issues unrelated to your jaw, including exacerbating:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Respiratory issues
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Coronary heart disease
• Low birth weight

Gum disease puts a huge strain on the whole body, especially if bacteria spread to other areas. This can weaken the immune system, leading to other health issues.

The Impact on Your Smile and Confidence

Periodontitis can have major implications for the mental well-being of any sufferer. Its effects include both the pain it can cause as well as the loss of confidence that often comes with mouth issues.

As many as 37% of those studied with periodontitis went on to develop issues such as anxiety and depression. This statistic means the problem is more significant than a simple physical issue. These mental health issues can impact the sufferer even long after they receive treatment for their oral health.

Treating Gum Disease

The good news is that several treatments exist to combat gum disease. These options exist to handle both the bacteria involved in the infection and many of the symptoms associated with the disease.

Professional Treatments Available at Smiles By Hannah

If you are still in the early stages of gingivitis, we can help you by cleaning the gums and roots of your teeth. These processes, called scaling and root planing, deal with the issue at its source. They aim to kill the bacteria before they cause further damage.

We also offer laser therapy to remove infected tissue and antibiotic therapy to manage infections. Our end goal is to ensure you no longer suffer from the disease and then return your smile to its original level.

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Gum Disease

If we discover you are experiencing periodontitis, we can discuss several other options with you, including:

• Surgery to clean deeper gum pockets
• Grafts to regenerate lost tissue and bone
• Post-treatment care plans to ensure long-term success
• Guided tissue regeneration to ensure the mouth heals without complications

We understand that periodontitis can have a significant effect on not only your physical but also mental health. As such, we want to do everything possible to ensure your safety and confidence once you leave our care.

Early Detection Services for Gum Disease in Gilbert, AZ

If you are looking for support in the Gilbert, AZ, area, we are ready to discuss your dental health and get you on the right track. Our staff have experience in the use of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify gum issues no matter what stage they are at. If they find gum disease, they can then discuss a customized treatment plan with you based on your specific needs.

Even if you do not think that you are currently suffering from gum disease, you must ensure that you get regular check-ups. We can use these to advise you on the current state of your dental health and offer actionable steps to ensure your smile remains intact.

Take Charge of Your Gum Health Today!

Don’t run the risk of allowing unhealthy gums to ruin your life. Prioritize your oral health and that of your loved ones by talking to Smiles by Hanna in Gilbert, AZ, today.

Our dental staff offers oral inspection and early intervention to help prevent issues from worsening. As experts in gum health, they can discuss how to protect your teeth today and long into the future. Book an appointment today to speak to us and get the peace of mind you need.