Gum Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

Do your gums bleed easily? A buildup of plaque, a sticky bacteria, below the gum line causes it. You might have gum disease. Left untreated, it can at some point cause bone loss, and your teeth might shift or become loose. That can make it harder to chew and even speak. To avoid gum disease, brush, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily, and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

Symptoms

You can find and treat the problem before it gets serious if you know what to look for. Take note if you notice:

Red, swollen gums: That’s one of the first signs your gums need attention. “Gum diseases typically start with inflammation along the gum line,” says Erik Sahl, DDS, assistant professor of periodontics at Loma Linda University. They may also feel tender or painful and bleed easily when you floss or brush.

Bad breath: Your mouth is a nice, warm, and wet home for millions of bacteria. They feed on plaque, so the more of that you have, the bigger the buffet. “Bacteria release toxins that can irritate the gums and teeth and have a foul smell,” Sahl says.

It can also be a symptom of serious gum disease. Your breath usually doesn’t change much if you’ve got gingivitis.

Gums that get smaller: If your teeth look longer than they used to, chances are they’re not growing -- your gums are shrinking.

“[When] bone starts to break down, the gums start separating from the tooth, creating a pocket,” Sahl says. This pulling away is called receding gums.

Sensitive teeth: If a sip of a cold drink makes you wince, your teeth may be telling you something. That’s a symptom of gum disease that often goes hand in hand with shrinking gums. “With receding gums, the sensitive part of the tooth is exposed -- called the dentin -- causing sensitive teeth when exposed to cold water and air,” Sahl says.

Wiggly or shifting teeth: Does your smile look a little different lately? Gum disease can attack the bones that hold your teeth in place, making them loosen or move. Periodontitis is the main cause, and it can even change the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Treatment

The goal is to control your infection. Your dentist will look at what’s affected to figure out where to start.

Deep cleaning: The first line of treatment for gum disease is a careful, in-depth cleaning.

Unlike a regular cleaning, which is usually only done above the gum line, deep cleaning goes under the gum line. The dentist will also use special instruments, Sahl says.

Your dentist can do something called scaling. That’s scraping off tartar both above and below your gum line. She may also do something called root planing. That’s when the rough surfaces of the roots of your teeth are smoothed out. It helps the gums reattach to your tooth.

Both methods may take more than one visit to the dentist.

Medication: There’s no magic pill or cream that can cure gum disease, Sahl says. Still, your dentist may prescribe medication as part of your treatment.

We are here to Help You 🏪
.
.
📍 10666 Fontainebleau Blvd. Miami, FL 33172
📲 Doral (786) 355-4401
.
📍 12558 Pines Boulevard Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
📲 Pembroke Pines (954) 639-6998
.
📍SW 9 SW 17th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
📲 Fort Lauderdale (954) 588-4671
.
📍 8135 S Military Trail # 105, Boynton Beach
📲 Boynton Beach (561) 704-0555