Recognizing the Early Signs of Gum Disease

Tooth loss is a big problem for American adults. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all American adults over the age of 30 experience some form of gum disease. 

In the early stages, gum disease can be treated and generally doesn’t cause lasting damage to your oral health. When left untreated, it gets worse over time and eventually causes irreversible damage which can ultimately result in tooth loss. 

At the Center for Esthetic & Implant Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, our periodontist Dr. Ramin Mahallati offers a range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services for every stage of gum disease and other oral health problems.

How to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease is caused by inflammation due to plaque and bacteria. As it progresses, it can attack the bone and soft tissue that support healthy teeth and gums, eventually resulting in tooth loss. It takes time for gum disease to result in permanent damage, so practicing prevention and visiting our team at the first signs of trouble is the best way to protect your smile and oral health.

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Most people are familiar with the most common sign of gingivitis, including bleeding gums. Other signs of gingivitis include:

• Red gums
• Puff and swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Gum tenderness and sensitivity
• Gum recession

Poor oral hygiene and the lack of dental care are the biggest culprits of gum disease, but there are other factors, including poor diet, smoking, genetics, and medical conditions that can also increase the risk. 

How to protect yourself from gum disease

Like most health problems, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to gum disease. For starters, brush your teeth after meals and floss every day to minimize bacteria and plaque buildup. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a check-up and dental cleaning every six months to prevent oral health problems like gum disease from developing. Even if you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, it’s never too late to make an appointment with our team to stay proactive about your oral health needs.

Dental and general health are linked, so a healthy diet and lifestyle are important factors in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

We can help you treat gum disease and get your oral health back on track. For more information about gum disease prevention and treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati. You can also book your appointment with our convenient online booking tool.