Admit it: You’re not always the best at brushing twice a day. And flossing – Who has time for that? Coffee is your best morning friend (ours, too!), and you’ve been known to indulge in some soda or alcohol every now and again.
If you’re not careful, though, you could be heading for gum disease.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to tooth loss. Plaque buildup, left untreated, becomes infected and starts to break down the bone and surrounding connective tissue. Periodontitis is not very noticeable in the early stages, but there are some warning signs to look out for.
Early signs of gum disease are:
- Swollen or bright red/purplish gums
- Gums that are tender when touched
- Gums that bleed when brushing/flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
More severe symptoms include:
- Newly formed spaces between the teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth or teeth that fall out
How Is Periodontitis Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose gum disease, your dentist may check for plaque buildup and areas that bleed easily. They will then measure the pocket depth between your gums and your tooth. If pocket depth is 4mm or more, your dentist may take x-rays to check for bone loss.
What Can I Do?
Regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental visits, can help prevent bacterial growth. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment with a dentist right away to prevent advancement of the disease.
Preventative Dental Care in Rockville, MD
Periodontitis is a very painful disease. We at Rockville Dental Arts are committed to providing you with the very best dental care with as little pain as possible. Our expert staff offer a wide variety of both preventative and restorative care. If you are in need of a dentist in the Rockville area, give us a call for a free consultation and x-ray! 301-424-2030