What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
Gum disease can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Although gum disease is one of the most common dental issues for adults, it can be effectively prevented or managed with proper oral hygiene habits and care, including brushing twice a day, flossing twice a day, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky, bacteria-filled substance that builds up on and around your teeth. If you are not thoroughly cleaning plaque with good daily oral hygiene habits, your gums will likely become inflamed and possibly infected. Early symptoms include sensitive, irritated, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, gum disease can become advanced, causing significant gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and even bone loss.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to have gum disease. In addition to poor oral care and smoking, the following additional factors increase your risk of gum disease:
- High sugar diet
- Diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic health problems
- Stress
- Obesity
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Side effects from certain medications
- Puberty, pregnancy, and other periods of hormonal instability
- Substance abuse
- Age and heredity
If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your dentist for advice on your oral health. Other illnesses with possible connections to gum disease include pancreatic cancer, pulmonary disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, develops following excessive plaque build-up on your teeth and around your gum line. The bacteria in plaque produce acid that irritates gum tissue, causing your gums to become inflamed. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is chronic inflammation that causes gum tissue to separate from the root of the tooth, creating pockets under the gum line where bacteria thrive. The result is inflammation and infection that spreads to the ligaments and bone underneath the gums. Over time, teeth can loosen, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The first sign of gingivitis is swollen, red, and inflamed gums that bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice any of the following symptoms, gingivitis may have advanced to periodontitis:
- Shrinking or receding gums
- Visible roots that make your teeth appear longer
- Changes in how your teeth fit together (your bite)
- Bad breath
- Sensitive, shifting, or loose teeth
Treatment for Gum Disease
Consult with your regular dentist or a periodontist—a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease—about appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Fortunately, if discovered early, gum disease is often reversible through proper dental hygiene and care.
Plaque that has hardened into tartar will require professional cleaning to remove, especially when it is below your gum line. Your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and planing. If you have gum disease that has not been treated for a long period of time, further treatment may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or help reverse bone loss. In extreme cases, you may require surgical or restorative procedures.
Make every effort to quit smoking cigarettes and tobacco use. Seek advanced help if you cannot quit on your own. Smokers and tobacco users are more likely to suffer from advanced dental issues, including gum disease.
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