Gum disease is often hard to avoid; however, once it is detected, patients can immediately visit their general dentist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. In order for it to be detected, the dentist will have to rely on any symptoms or signs that indicate a problem. Ready to learn more about the signs?
Sometimes when patients brush or floss their teeth, they will notice bleeding. Minor bleeding from time to time is normal and quite common, however, if the bleeding is excessive, it may indicate gum disease. Bleeding indicates that the gums are not healthy and that there may be an infection. Rinsing with a saltwater mixture can help reduce bleeding and clear out infected areas, however, this is not a permanent solution. It is important to follow up with a general dentist for long-term treatment.
The gums are supposed to be pink and soft, however, when gum disease is present, they may appear red or white. Red or white spots or patches on the gums are often signs that there is an abscess, which is a common symptom of gum disease. While it can be tempting to push on the areas, it is important not to. Instead, visit a general dentist immediately to have the spots examined.
Swollen or puffy gums almost always indicate an infection. Typically, swelling occurs because there is an abscess or areas that have excessive buildup. When looking at the gums, it is important to see if they overextend past the teeth. If they do, it usually means they are severely infected. Just like with spots or patches, it can be tempting to press on swollen areas, but it is best to not, in order to avoid irritation.
One of the main indicators of gum disease is when the gums begin to recede. When they are receding, they essentially look like they are pulled back from the teeth. When there is a serious infection in the gums, the bone beneath will begin to deteriorate, which will ultimately cause the teeth to look longer and the gums look shorter. Receding usually takes place in the later stages of gum disease.
When the gums physically hurt, it is best to visit a general dentist. Pain usually indicates that gum disease is present or developing. Patients may experience pain when brushing along the gum lines or a dull pain that feels sore. Both can be managed by taking an over-the-counter medication for pain, but ultimately, a general dentist will need to diagnose and treat the problem.
There are a lot of signs that indicate that gum disease is present, however, there are times when only a dentist can detect the infection. This is why it is extremely important to regularly see a general dentist. They can perform regular examinations and x-rays to detect and diagnose gum disease, at any stage. Reach out today to learn more or to get started!
Request an appointment here: https://www.drjoshidental.com or call Megha Joshi DDS and Achyut Joshi DDS at (951) 707-4374 for an appointment in our Moreno Valley office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Moreno Valley, CA.
Scaling and root planing for gum disease is an often performed dental procedure that involves cleaning deep down toward the tooth root and below the gum line to remove built-up plaque and tartar. It is a more extensive form of routine dental cleaning and often necessary when treating advanced cases of gum disease.Minor instances of…
We can set you on the right routine to prevent gum disease and live a happy pain-free life.When it comes to your oral health, proper oral hygiene and regular checkups at our dental office can help prevent gum disease. Even if the early symptoms of gum disease don't seem to cause any pain, prompt treatment…
Bleeding gums can be a sign of vigorous brushing or something worse. Call for a checkup.If you're looking for answers to why your gums are irritated or bleeding, we can help. When it comes to oral health, there are multiple reasons for bleeding gums. We can identify the source of the issue and provide treatment.From…
A laser dentist is a great resource to utilize when looking for an alternative way to have dental procedures performed. Laser dentists offer procedures that are less invasive, less painful and less grueling for the mouth. They do this by using laser light beams to perform necessary treatments on the oral cavity. Ultimately, dental laser…
In-office professional teeth whitening is a great way to improve the appearance of your smile and gain more confidence. This review offers insights into how in-office professional teeth whitening works, including a step-by-step guide to the process many general dentists use. Every dentist has their own profess for professional teeth whitening. However, there are common steps…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…