9 Facts About Gum Disease You Should Know

In this post, we\’ll review nine symptoms and facts about gum disease that you should know. Periodontal gum disease is treatable, but you must seek treatment before permanent damage is done.

Do you have gum disease? If you are an adult American, the chances are fairly good that you do. According to a Centers for Disease Control study, almost half of American adults have some form of gum disease.

For gum disease treatment in Plano, TX, call (972) 964-3774

Gum disease is a common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected. If you have seen blood when you brush or floss your teeth, then it\’s likely this is an early symptom of gum disease – called gingivitis.

Related: What Are the Types of Gum Disease?

Many people have the thought that a little blood when you are brushing your teeth is normal. This may be a common issue, but that doesn\’t make it \”normal\” or \”healthy\”.

Let\’s review this list of nine facts about gum disease so that you know the truth and can make healthy decisions.

Gum disease facts

FACT #1 – Healthy gums don’t bleed

Healthy gums should not bleed when you brush them. Survey statistics show that although a majority of respondents agreed that spitting blood when you brush is a warning sign that something may be wrong, only 24% said it was something serious they should be worried about.

Healthy gums should be firm, pink in color and should not bleed when you brush or floss. If you are seeing these symptoms, you should bring this information to your dentist so they can advise you in order to protect your dental health. Gum disease is treatable early on but will get progressively worse.

Related: What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

“If you see any blood when brushing, then it’s important to take action to stop it from getting progressively worse.”

FACT #2 – Bleeding gums are caused by a build-up of plaque

The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque on teeth near your gums. Plaque is caused by bacteria in the mouth combining with saliva to form a sticky film. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This buildup leads to inflamed gums. Minor plaque can be removed and prevented by proper brushing and flossing. Serious tartar buildup will need to be treated by your dentist.

Related: Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Fact #3 – Bleeding gums will NOT go away on their own without treatment

If you have bleeding gums, then this cannot be treated with simple teeth brushing, flossing and mouthwash. This symptom should not be ignored.

Related: Are Bleeding Gums Normal?

Fact #4 – Receding gums will NOT grow back

Although many people are concerned about their bleeding gums, they often don\’t seek treatment because they don\’t realize how serious the issue can be. Receding gums exposing more of the tooth’s root and will ultimately result in more serious gum disease symptoms. Receding gums cannot grow back by themselves, so once you have reached this level, you must seek professional treatment.

Related: Doomed for Dentures?

Fact #5 – Gum disease, even minor symptoms, is always a serious issue.

Gum disease is a progressive condition that gets worse. If left untreated, even bleeding gums will get worse and potentially lead to the most serious form of gum disease – periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause irreversible symptoms, such as receding gums and even tooth loss.

Related: How To Treat Gum Disease

Fact #6 – You should visit the dentist regularly – even when you don\’t have issues

Many people only visit the dentist when they have an issue or begin to experience gum disease symptoms. You should attend regularly scheduled check-ups as advised by your doctor. Your dentist may find signs of gum disease or other problems before you develop visible symptoms. This helps you and your dentist begin treatment to prevent issues from getting any worse.

Related: Enjoy Going To The Dentist Today

Fact #7 – Brushing teeth too hard can cause bleeding gums

Brushing your teeth too hard can cause bleeding gums. You should not assume this is the cause of your bleeding gums though since bleeding gums could also be a sign of gum disease. It may be as simple as switching to a soft bristled toothbrush or changing your brushing technique, but you should alk to your dentist if you see blood when you spit after brushing your teeth.

Related: What Order Do I Brush, Floss, Mouthwash?

Fact #8 – Bleeding gums do NOT affect only old people

Gum disease is much more common as you get older, but it can affect people of all ages. There are other factor besides age which can cause gum diseas though, such as poor brushing and flossing, smoking, genetics and family history, diabetes, and stress.

Related: Guideline On Gum Disease Prevention

Fact #9 – Bad breath is a sign of gum disease

Bad breath can be caused by the breakdown of pieces of food in your mouth. More seriously though, bad breath is a symptom of periodontitis which should be treated immediately to avoid complications.

Related: What causes bad breath?

Source: Gum disease symptoms – nine facts YOU didn’t know about the common condition revealed – Express.co.uk

Are you showing potential symptoms of gum disease? We offer you gum disease treatment solutions. Stop minor issues with your teeth and gums before they become a serious problem.

Schedule a consultation online or call us at (972) 964-3774

David Wilhite is an experienced dentist in Plano, Texas who takes the comfort of his patients seriously.