Here at Arch Dental, we pride ourselves on being centrally located and easily accessible in downtown Toronto. However, while the in-person services we offer are crucial for our patients’ long-term oral health, we also strive to provide ongoing education in order to keep your smile in shape between visits.
Today, we are happy to provide a checklist on the symptoms of gum disease… including how to know that you should be booking in with us ASAP to receive treatment!
Firstly, What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (otherwise known as gingivitis) is a disease of the gums. It is defined as an infection of the tissue that holds each tooth in their respective positions in the mouth.
Gum disease is a gradual infection that is triggered by poor oral hygiene, namely inadequate brushing technique, poor flossing habits, and/or diets high in sugar and sticky foods.
These habits permit the growth of plaque, a type of bacteria, to build up on the teeth before eventually hardening into a firm substance. When left untreated, gum disease can transition into periodontitis, which is the most severe form of gum infection.
Other common risk factors for developing gum disease includes:
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (namely oral contraceptives, calcium channel blockers, and steroids)
- Crooked teeth, ill-fitting dental appliances, and/or broken fillings
- Compromised immunity
- Certain genetic predispositions
Checklist: The Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bookmark this blog today to act as your personal checklist for the symptoms of gum disease.
This symptoms checklist is as follows:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, and/or bleeding
- Painful or uncomfortable chewing
- Teeth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
If you check off over two of these symptoms, please contact Arch Dental immediately to book your first (or next!) check-up. During this dental appointment, your assigned dentist or dental hygienist will examine your mouth for any signs of inflammation, analyze the pockets around the teeth for further symptoms, and identify which lifestyle habits or risk factors may be contributing to your development of gum disease.
In some cases, your dentist or dental hygienist may opt to take an X-ray to identify if there has been any related bone loss.
Arch Dental Is Here to Help
Here at Arch Dental, our aim is to have your smile be healthy for life.
As with any concern related to oral hygiene, prevention is the best medicine. For gum disease, we strongly recommend brushing and flossing a minimum of twice per day, visiting your dentist regularly to monitor for changes to your oral health, and ditching unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as smoking or excess sugar) that may be causing oral issues or exacerbating existing ones.
Reach out to us today to have any and all gum disease-related concerns or questions resolved.
