When you have oral problems, it can be very uncomfortable and usually only worsens over time if left untreated. You can end up getting other complications that may lead to more troubles and extra expenses. A very common problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly is gum disease.
Did you know that half of adults aged 30 and older actually suffer some form of gum disease? Considering the fact that it is linked to many immune issues and even life-threatening conditions, it’s important to know the signs that you may have gum disease and what the proper treatment is.
How to Spot Gum Disease
There are a few things that can be red flags of gum disease.
- If your gums are red, swollen, and tender to the touch, this could be a sign of gum disease and be a precursor to more severe inflammation.
- Gum disease can also cause you to have persistent bad breath because of the build-up of bacteria. This can usually be attributed to toxins from excessive plaque.
- Check if your gums are receding. As the infection progresses, it will affect your tissues and cause the gums to recede.
- As the disease affects your gums, you may find that its symptoms present themselves in your teeth. Check if your teeth are shifting, loose, or both.
- There is an added sensitivity to gum disease that will cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth. Check for blood during and after you brush.
- When gum disease gets worse, it affects the jawbone. This is the reason it affects the support for your teeth. You should check if your bite has changed. If your bones recede too much, you’ll feel more pain and be at risk of tooth loss and more disease.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Thankfully, gum disease is quite preventable with proper oral habits.
- Brush your teeth every day. The best practice is to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time.
- Make sure you floss.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and consuming alcohol, soda, and overly starchy and acidic food.
- Get dental cleaning done at the dentist every six months.
How to Treat Gum Disease
If you already have gum disease but are still in the gingivitis stage, there are things you can do to treat the problem. Keep in mind that at later stages, gum disease can only be treated and not fully cured. If your disease is at a later stage, you will need to go for a checkup to get the proper treatment procedures and medication.
If you’re still at an earlier stage, there are a few remedies you can try. Get a checkup to see if the problem is getting resolved.
- Gargle a saltwater rinse for half a minute, then spit it out. Do this twice a day. Note that this isn’t a long-term solution because it will negatively affect your tooth enamel over time.
- Use an aloe vera mouthwash solution twice or thrice a day.
- Apply a teaspoon of cloves onto a cotton ball and gently rub these into your gums for about a minute. Gargle with water and then spit it out. This should reduce inflammation and lessen plaque production. This technique is not advisable for long periods.
Conclusion
Gum disease is a chronic disease that tends to have a slow progression, so it’s best to keep your oral health in check consistently. So, while it may not be immediately urgent on its own, it can progress to severe levels and lead to other complications. It’s important to stay on top of it to make sure it doesn’t lead to a dental emergency.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, get an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible. Dr. Thomas E. Cooke leads a full range dental practice that you can visit for both emergency and routine checkups. Our practice is always equipped with a walk-in dentist for Raleigh patients. Contact us if you wish to make an appointment.
