The human mouth is full of millions of bacteria, most of which are relatively harmful. These bacteria leave behind plaque on your teeth, which, if left untreated, can harden into tartar that only a professional dental cleaning can remove. Regular brushing and flossing can control the buildup of plaque, but if too much has been allowed to accumulate, it can progress into gum disease and potentially require dental surgery to correct.
The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it’s characterized by a mild redness and tenderness in the gums. Generally gingivitis can be controlled by regular brushing and flossing, and a trip to the dentist can remove the plaque that has built up along your teeth and gums.
If left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to a much more serious form of gum disease, called periodontitis. During periodontitis, the plaque has infected the area between your teeth and your gums. The infection will continue to worsen until your teeth and gum tissue are severely damaged, often leading to teeth that need to be extracted.
The common symptoms of gum disease are:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Gums that bleed during and after brushing and/or flossing
- Teeth that seem to be loose or separating
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Sores in the mouth
- Pus accumulating between teeth and gums
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums that make your teeth appear longer
These are the telltale signs of gum disease. However, the disease is often a silent one, and many symptoms may not appear until it’s progressed to a fairly advanced stage. By this time, you might require more drastic measures to save your teeth.
If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you get in touch with the experts at Southfield Family Dental Center today, so we can save your smile before you lose it to gum disease. Book your appointment as soon as possible!
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