In order for a person to keep their teeth all of their life, they need to have healthy gums. When the gum tissue becomes inflamed or diseased, the risk of tooth loss greatly increases. There are many gum disease symptoms that warrant an oral examination in Fort Collins CO. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should schedule an appointment with their local dentist as soon as possible.
Constant Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath on occasion. People often experience it first thing in the morning or after eating pungent foods. However, this type of bad breath is temporary and will go away after brushing or rinsing. When bad breath persists even with proper dental hygiene, there is a good chance the gum tissue is diseased. In fact, bad breath is often the first symptom of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.
Sore or Bleeding Gums
Healthy gum tissue is bright pink and firm. When bacteria infects the gums, however, the tissue gets inflamed. Patients often experience tenderness or bleeding whenever they brush their teeth. Some people even notice bleeding gums while eating. This is a symptom of both early and advanced gum disease, so an Oral Examination in Fort Collins CO should be scheduled right away. A dentist will determine a treatment depending on the severity of the gum infection.
Loose Teeth
The gum tissue is responsible for anchoring teeth into place. When this tissue is damaged, teeth may begin to shift. Patients with advanced gum disease often complain of their teeth wiggling when they brush. Some even notice that their teeth have shifted in their mouth. This is especially common in those who have a severely receded gum line. Dental intervention is the only way to heal the gum tissue and prevent premature tooth loss.
Gum disease is the leading cause of early tooth loss; however, it can be treated at any stage. Professional dental scaling and gum grafts may be needed, depending on how much the disease has progressed. The dentist will develop a treatment plan to help reverse any symptoms of gum disease. Click here to learn to about other treatments offered by a local dentist.