Are Your Gums Healthy?
Gum disease is common. Almost half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There are several stages of gum disease. These include gingivitis, which can usually be treated successfully when caught early, and periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss and permanent damage to your gums.
With an office in The Woodlands, Texas, Scott Young, DDS, provides dental services for the greater Houston region, including the communities of Highland Village, West University, River Oaks, Rice Village, and Memorial.
What should healthy gums look like?
Healthy gums are firm and look consistent throughout your mouth. Your gum line should cover the root of each tooth, and you shouldn’t experience symptoms like bleeding, puffiness, or sensitivity to hot and cold.
That said, you may not always be able to see problems like pockets or receding gums with the naked eye.
The best way to maintain healthy gums is to practice good oral hygiene, avoid tobacco products and smoking, and visit us for a dental exam and professional cleaning every six months or if you notice new symptoms.
Unhealthy gums: the signs and symptoms of gum disease
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation and swelling. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are red, puffy, swollen gums, and bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth.
Other symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Receding gums (your teeth look longer than usual)
- Pockets or loose gums around a tooth
- Loose teeth
- Changes to your bite
- Discoloration
Gum disease worsens and becomes more difficult to treat over time, so it’s important to schedule a dental exam as soon as you notice new symptoms or if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to the dentist.
Gingivitis is usually reversible and won’t result in permanent damage if treated early. As gum disease progresses, it can cause permanent and irreversible damage to your teeth and gums, including gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss in severe cases.
That said, problems like pockets or receding gums may not always be visible to the naked eye.
How to keep your teeth and gums healthy
Prevention is your best defense against gum disease and other oral health problems. First, make good oral hygiene a priority.
Brush after meals and floss at least once daily to lower your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Even if you haven’t been flossing, it’s never too late to start!
It’s also important to eat a healthy diet, drink enough water daily, not smoke or use tobacco products, drink alcohol only in moderation, and invest in preventive dental care.
Some people are more prone to gum disease than others, so if you have a family history or previous history of gum disease, ask us what you can do to manage your risk and protect your teeth and gums.
For more information about the signs and risk factors for gum disease and what you can do to manage your oral health, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Young at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.
