, deIt may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause gums that are red, swollen, and tender and/or gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:
- Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Pus coming from the gums
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose teeth
HOW IS GUM DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
To find out if you have gum disease, your dentist will do an exam to look for:
- Hard buildups of plaque and tartar above and below the gums
- Areas where your gums are pulling away or shrinking from your teeth
- Pockets that have grown between your teeth and gums
Your dentist or dental hygienist may take X-rays of your teeth to look for bone damage and other problems.
HOW IS GUM DISEASE TREATED?
If you have a mild case of gum disease, you will probably be able to take care of it by brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular cleanings at your dentist's office.
If your gum disease has become worse and you have periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a method called root planing and scaling. This removes the plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. You may also need to take antibiotics to help get rid of the infection in your mouth. If your gum disease is severe, you may need to have surgery.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease is most common in adults, but it can affect anyone, even children. So good dental habits are important throughout your life:
Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste.
Floss your teeth once each day.
Visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.
Don't use tobacco products.
If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and getting regular checkups from your dentist can keep the disease from getting worse.
Having gum disease may increase a pregnant woman's risk of having a premature, low-birth-weight baby. Also, studies have found a direct link between heart disease and the bacteria that cause gum disease. So taking good care of your teeth and gums may have benefits beyond keeping your mouth healthy.
- WebMD
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