Gum disease is one of the silent problems that can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful. Regular tooth brushing and flossing can do wonders for combating gum disease. However, sometimes we get a little lax in our dental care routines and aren’t as thorough as we would like to be when taking care of our teeth. When we aren’t as diligent with our oral care, gum disease can develop and begin causing problems in our mouth. However, there are ways that regular dental visits to your gum disease doctor in Mercer County, NJ, can help you prevent your gum disease from progressing from a minor irritant to a full-blown problem.
Gingivitis
The mild form of gum disease that forms is called gingivitis. Rarely does gingivitis cause acute physical pain that we notice early on, but it does display some warning signs that we can identify for quick treatment. Some of the warning signs of gingivitis to look for include:
- Red or swollen gums.
- Bleeding after brushing or cleaning between your teeth.
- Permanent teeth that feel like they are coming loose.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
If you have noticed any of these signs, consult your dentist. If your dentist confirms it is gingivitis, thorough tooth cleaning — including brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing once a day — will help you deal with and get the gingivitis under control. However, if you do not catch gingivitis early enough, it can continue to develop and become a much more severe problem.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left unchecked and begins to worsen. Signs of periodontitis include:
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
- Lingering bad breath and bad taste that won’t go away.
A visit to the dentist is the only way to combat periodontitis. If left untreated, the bones around your teeth that hold them in place are damaged, and tooth loss becomes a real possibility. After the trip to the dentist, an intense regiment of diligent brushing and flossing will help your gums recover.
For help combating gum disease or if you need dental services for your kids in Monmouth County, NJ, Middlesex County, NJ, and the surrounding areas, contact Hamilton Dental to schedule your next appointment today!
