February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, making it the perfect time of year to talk about the frequently seen signs of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an infection due to build-up of bacteria between the gums and the teeth. Brushing and flossing alone cannot destroy the bacteria. Only deep cleaning and other treatments by a periodontist can address this common, but highly destructive, condition.
Without intervention by a dental professional, individuals with gum disease will experience irreversible bone and tissue damage, and most likely tooth loss as well. Therefore, if you notice any of the following indicators that you may have gum disease, please contact Dr. Thomas Bissell, our local periodontist.
● Your gums bleed often. Patients with gum disease regularly complain of bleeding gums at our Chester, NJ, practice. Your gums may bleed when you eat or drink, brush and floss, or simply at random times.
● You have bad breath all the time. Does it seem as if your bad breath never goes away, no matter how often you brush your teeth? The bacteria that cause gum disease release odors that lead to bad breath. Our periodontist can help you get rid of the bacteria and infection, which will reduce your bad breath.
● Your gums are receding. Have your gums started to pull away from your teeth? This is a strong indicator of possible gum disease. As bacteria destroy healthy gum tissue, the tissue begins to recede.
● Your gums are red, swollen, and tender. Healthy gums are a pinkish color that can vary from being light to dark. Red gums are typically a sign that you should be seen by a periodontist for an evaluation.
● Your teeth feel loose. Any time you have a tooth that has started to become loose, you should immediately call your trusted dental provider. Healthy teeth do not fall out unless they have experienced some type of trauma. Loose teeth can be a red flag of advanced gum disease.
The good news is that gum disease can be treated and managed. Call us in Chester, NJ, if you have bleeding gums or other concerns. We welcome patients who want to improve their oral healthcare through modern dentistry.
