Healthy gums are the foundation of healthy teeth. Gum Disease is a condition that can lead to tooth loss. It can be as simple as inflammation of the gums or severe tissue and bone damage. Gum disease can be diagnosed by the following signs.
You can prevent gum disease and improve your dental health with professional treatment.
How to Recognize Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be described as mild gum disease. It is caused by bacteria. Plaque is formed when bacteria (which are everywhere in the mouth) combines with food particles and mucus to form plaque.
If you don’t have regular cleanings of your teeth, tartar can cause inflammation and plaque hardens to tartar. Gingivitis is a condition where the gums become red and swollen. The teeth, however, are not affected.
How to Recognize Periodontitis
When gingivitis does not get treated, periodontitis can occur. Periodontitis refers to inflammation of the tooth and pulling away the gums.
Pockets can be infected by bacteria that may form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response to eliminate the bacteria. Sometimes, teeth will become looser and may need to be pulled.
Gum Disease Symptoms
These symptoms could indicate gum disease.
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- When brushing your teeth or flossing, you can cause bleeding.
- Bad breath persists
- Receding gums (teeth look longer)
- Sensitive teeth or loose teeth
The Gum Pocket Test
A local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist will examine your gum pockets and determine the type of treatment that is required. A small probe is used to measure how deep the gum pockets are on each tooth’s sides and middle. The gums are healthy if they are between one-three millimeters and three millimeters.
If you have deeper pockets, your gums might feel tender or painful during the probe test. Extra care is needed for pockets deeper than 4 millimeters.