Gum disease (or periodontal disease, with periodontal referring to "around the teeth") is something you should really watch out for as these can lead to permanent loss of teeth. There are certain signs to watch out for to know whether or not you have gum disease like having swollen gums that bleed easily, or worse, teeth that get loose and just fall off.



The earliest stage of gum disease starts from plaque that forms around the teeth. The plaque would eventually accumulate and harden to form tartar. This would develop to gingivitis with the most common symptom being red, swollen gums that bleed easily (while brushing your teeth for example). It would be best to have it checked as bleeding is a sign of unhealthy gums. If treatment is not received, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis. Though periodontitis is preceded by gingivitis, not all cases of gingivitis actually lead to the advanced form of the disease.

Periodontitis is the serious and advanced stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is irreversible. The gum tissue and bone surrounding the teeth could become seriously damaged and the teeth affected could become loose and fall out. There are methods used to treat periodontitis but it involves surgery. Treating periodontitis is expensive and takes a long time to finish. There are ways of treating the disease during its early stages without having to resort to surgery. Examples would be eating a healthy diet, flossing, and regular brushing of teeth. Those help in controlling the growth of bacteria that is causing the disease. When the disease is already well underway, then surgery by emergency dentists, such as Dayton implant dentists, to restore supportive tissues and bone loss is the only option.

There are other signs of gum disease aside from what was mentioned above. These are equally important to know so you could have them checked by the dentist as soon as possible. One of these is frequent bad breath - one of the earliest signs of gum disease. You can try brushing your tongue first as it may be just improper brushing methods that's causing it. Believe it or not, the tongue is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath.

Receding gums is another symptom. There are times that you will notice the gums "falling off" or separating from the teeth. That's also one symptom and should be checked as soon as possible if it becomes a regular occurrence especially if it develops into loose teeth. You might notice holes or "pockets" developing along the gums and teeth. That's already a clear sign that the regression of the gums is worsening and should be treated by a professional.

You may also notice a change in your bite. That usually happens when some of the teeth become loose. When teeth become loose, the way the teeth fit with each other is affected causing a noticeable change in how you eat. It would be easier to notice if you are wearing a dental appliance like braces, retainers, or other dental fixtures. If you have noticed any of these signs or symptoms, you should see your dentist to discuss treatment options.

So what can we do to prevent the disease from occurring? Maintain a healthy diet, regularly floss and brush your teeth. Finally, a visit to the dentist at least twice a year would really make a difference.