While many people assume that dental care is all about teeth, a great deal of it revolves around gums.
If you have ever looked into having a cosmetic dental procedure, such as implants or veneers, then you may have come across some of the exclusion criteria for these procedures. One of the main ones is periodontal health. Specifically, for a dental team to be able to fit either of these options, you cannot have gum disease.
But whether or not you are considering having a cosmetic procedure performed, how do you know the signs of gum disease and what are some of the red flags to look out for? In this article, a dentist in Wagga Wagga offers some useful insights to keeping gingivitis at bay.
Causes of gingivitis
Often, gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene. Teeth and gums which are not brushed regularly accumulate plaque and bacteria, which leads to an inflammatory immune response. If left untreated this may be uncomfortable but, in the early stages, many patients are able to resolve the issue at home with specialised mouthwash.
However, if you suspect that you have gingivitis, contact your dentist near Wagga Wagga for an appointment.
Swelling gums
If you have ever had a mouth ulcer, you will be aware of what a swollen gum feels like.
However, while gingivitis may start off in one area of the mouth, it can spread quickly, causing the entire gum line to become swollen. If you notice sudden swelling in any part of your mouth that appears to be spreading, contact your dentist from Wagga Wagga right away!
Bleeding
If you brush your teeth roughly, you may frequently suffer from a spot of bleeding once you have finished cleaning. But if you notice bleeding when you brush with regular pressure, or even when you are eating food, this is indicative of gum disease and requires medical attention.
Bad breath
Is your breath abnormally smelly throughout the day?
If you smoke or are a fan of garlic, it can be harder to notice this but if you are aware of a foul odour or taste in your mouth (usually metallic), this may need a sudden visit to your dental team for further examination.
Receding gums
Research has determined that in cases of severe periodontal disease, the gums may recede.
Therefore, the roots of the teeth may become more exposed and your teeth will look physically longer. Once again, this is caused by excessive amounts of bacteria and inflammatory response, but as soon as you detect any sign of receding gums, contact your dental hygienist for a scale and polish.
Loose teeth
Going back to the initial point, relating to the fitting of dental implants, if you have natural teeth and untreated gum disease, they are no less susceptible to falling out than prosthetics.
Therefore, if your gums appear swollen and your teeth are coming loose or are wobbling, you need a check-up with a dental team to try and save your teeth.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
