Gum Disease: What To Look For

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a serious condition caused by bacteria in your mouth infecting the gums. While early stages of this disease may present only minor symptoms, it can eventually lead to tooth loss and other complications. Watch out for these 5 gum disease warning signs and get the treatment you need from your Newport Beach dentist as soon as possible.

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) is one of the first gum disease warning signs. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of this disease and is well known for the impact it can have on your breath. You might experience temporary bad breath due to foods that you eat, but persistent bad breath is cause for concern.

The odor associated with gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria in your mouth. Those bacteria are always present but can cause this disease when they grow in greater numbers untouched. They release gases as they metabolize food, and those gases have a distinct odor. If enough bacteria are present, you will notice bad breath.

2. Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums can stand up to regular brushing and flossing without difficulty. If you notice bleeding during brushing or flossing, then you should take a closer look. This is another one of the most common gum disease warning signs.

As gum disease starts to take hold, it weakens your gums. Chronic inflammation causes them to bleed during routine cleaning, such as brushing and flossing. If you notice this happening but are not brushing or flossing too hard, then this disease is the next suspect.

3. A Change in Color

Healthy gums are typically a distinct pink. If you notice any change in coloration, you should speak with your dentist. Gum disease is a common cause of gum tissue discoloration.

While gums can vary in tone from person to person, you should be concerned about any change in your gums. If they start to become redder or darker, they are likely inflamed. Inflammation is a common symptom of gum disease.

4. Receding Gums

As gum disease progresses, it weakens the gums. They begin to detach from the teeth, leaving pockets between the teeth and gums. This affects the appearance of your smile and allows bacteria to infiltrate deeper below the gumline.

At this stage, you should seek gum disease treatment right away. You’ll need periodontal therapy to prevent further progression and safeguard your oral health.

5. A Change in Your Bite

Advanced gum disease affects the surrounding tissue. This is what eventually leads to tooth loss. However, there are intermediate stages where you may notice a shift in how your teeth fit together when you bite.

As the tissue surrounding your teeth weakens, it can allow them to shift and become misaligned. You may notice that your teeth don’t fit together like they used to. After treatment for the disease, you may need Invisalign or braces to realign your bite.

What To Do if You Have Symptoms of Gum Disease

The first thing you should do if you notice any signs of gum disease is to schedule a visit with your dentist. You shouldn’t wait until your next routine appointment, as the condition will continue to progress during that time. Early treatment is the best approach.

Your dentist will evaluate your smile to determine whether this disease or other oral health issues are present. Your treatment plan will vary depending on how advanced the gum disease has become. If it is not severe, you may only need a deep cleaning as opposed to more in-depth therapies.

Your dentist will also provide some advice to improve your oral hygiene at home. In the earliest stages of gum disease, this could be all it takes to deal with the condition. In any case, it will be an important part of prevention moving forward.

Gum Disease Treatment in Newport Beach

Come visit Luminous Smiles for the best gum disease treatment available in Newport Beach. Dr. Desai delivers patient-centric care that addresses your unique needs. As a Kois-trained dentist, she carefully evaluates your oral health to recommend appropriate, evidence-based treatment. Dr. Desai is the only female American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry-accredited doctor in Newport Beach.

At Luminous Smiles, we can address both early and advanced gum disease. We strive to make treatment accessible for all patients and offer sedation dentistry options. This way you can stay comfortable and relaxed while getting the care you need. If you have noticed any of the above gum disease warning signs, don’t hesitate to book your appointment. Gum disease is manageable with early intervention, so schedule your evaluation today to protect your smile.