Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a prevalent condition. Roughly 40 percent of U.S. adults age 30 or older have recently experienced some level of gum disease.[1] Despite that number, the good news is that gum disease is preventable and highly treatable when discovered in its early stages. With an understanding of gum disease and some help from periodontal dentistry in Rochester, you can safeguard your oral health for years.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Gum Disease
Early detection is vital for gum disease, as its earliest stages have few severe symptoms and is a reversible condition. However, as gum disease progresses, it can become a severe infection that can even lead to tooth loss, and in most cases, it cannot be reversed but rather managed. Early detection allows for effective intervention through simple lifestyle and oral hygiene changes or straightforward treatment options instead of the need for surgery or other invasive procedures later on.
With that in mind, watching for signs of gum disease at home can help you identify when dental care may be necessary. Consistently bleeding gums are among the most common symptoms of gum disease. If you experience it during brushing and flossing, in particular, then gum disease is the likely culprit.
Healthy gums sit flush with your teeth and have a distinctive pink color. But as gum disease sets in, your gums can swell and take on a much darker shade of red. If you’ve noticed any change in the color of your gums, you should seek out periodontal dentistry in Rochester to identify its cause.
One thing to keep in mind is that the first signs you experience might not be visual at all. Instead, they may come in the form of gum sensitivity and pain. Gum disease can leave your gums sore and sensitive, so you might notice pain when eating or drinking very hot or cold things. There could also be pain or discomfort when brushing, as physical contact can irritate your sore gums.
How Periodontal Dentistry in Rochester Enables Early Detection
Visiting a periodontist instead of a general dentist can help identify gum disease earlier, as the former has specialized education regarding gums and focuses significantly on gum disease. They can identify more subtle signs to act on gum disease as early on as possible.
A periodontist also has modern technology to evaluate your gums and oral health in general. Advancements such as 3D CAT scan imaging allow for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning addressing every aspect of oral health.
In the early stages of gum disease, treatment options such as scaling and root planing, essentially a deep cleaning, could be all needed. These provide more comfortable and cost-effective treatment experiences while achieving the most favorable outcomes.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Gum Disease
Early treatment provides excellent outcomes when dealing with gum disease. However, preventing the condition altogether is the best approach. And thankfully, you can take some simple steps to do so.
Keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine at home is essential. Brush and floss twice daily and use mouthwash to help manage bacteria levels in your mouth. Those bacteria are responsible for gum disease, so excess bacteria pose an increased risk.
Visiting your periodontist for a professional cleaning dramatically reduces the risk of gum disease. They’ll use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar deposits that can escape brushing and flossing between teeth or around the gumline. Those deposits harbor bacteria, so removing them with regular cleaning appointments minimizes your risk of gum disease.
Your diet affects your risk of gum disease as well. Sugary foods provide more energy for bacteria, so minimizing excessively sugary and acidic foods can help protect your gums. Eating a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals will support your overall health and immune system and prevent gum disease.
Get Proactive on Protecting Gum Health
If you have noticed any signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, don’t hesitate to contact the periodontal and dental implant specialists at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester. We’ll evaluate your unique needs and develop an effective plan to prevent or combat gum disease through expert guidance and advanced treatment. Call us at 585-685-2005 or contact us online to book your next appointment.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html