A good oral care routine isn’t just about keeping your pearly whites sparkly. Good oral care is about keeping your entire mouth healthy, including your gums. Yet, according to the American Dental Association, about half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
We know that gum care is vital for a healthy mouth, which is why at The Dental Center of Hercules, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro provides comprehensive dental care, including treatment for gum disease. Because swift treatment helps to halt the progression of
the disease, it’s important to get the care you need as soon as possible.
Here are the first signs of gum disease — and why gum disease treatment matters.
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums. Gum disease can increase the risk of tooth loss, infections, and tooth decay.
Because gum disease is a chronic infection, it can destroy your jawbone, and this in turn can cause even secondary teeth to fall out. Once gum disease becomes advanced, it can be more difficult to save your teeth. And that’s why it’s so important to treat gum disease as soon as possible — before tooth loss even occurs.
The good news is that there are several signs that you spot when gum disease starts to develop.
Red, swollen gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. You might notice that your gums bleed easily after flossing or brushing your teeth. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.
Even if your gums aren’t tender, it’s always a good idea to give us a call if you notice that your gums bleed easily.
There are many reasons that you might experience increased tooth sensitivity. Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments, but cracks, fractures, and cavities can cause sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of gum disease.
This happens when gum disease causes your gums to recede. When gums recede, it can expose the delicate tooth roots. Hot and cold foods can irritate the exposed nerves and cause discomfort and increased sensitivity.
It’s normal to have not-so-fresh breath after eating a garlicky meal, but if your breath is always bad — no matter what you eat — it can be a warning sign of gum disease.
Bad breath can be caused by:
Bottom line: If your breath is chronically bad, there are many underlying conditions (including tooth decay) that require dental care. Solving the underlying dental condition can help improve your breath.
Protecting your oral health is good for your overall physical health. At The Dental Center of Hercules, we understand what it takes to keep you looking and feeling your best. Routine dental exams also give us a chance to spot some of these signs.
If you have noticed the early signs of gum disease, don’t wait to take action until it’s too late. Contact our office today at 510-254-3328. You can also schedule an appointment on our website today.
