Gum disease is a widespread oral health issue, but it can be remarkably easy to overlook. There are two reasons for this; Not only do we have a tendency to focus more on the health of our teeth, but gum disease can be painless in the early stages, making it more likely to go unnoticed. If you don't catch gum disease early on, it can have serious consequences and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the name for the early stage of gum disease. If you are diagnosed with gingivitis, it can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. Once the plaque and bacteria have been scraped away, and the mouth has been thoroughly cleaned, a regular brushing and flossing regimen can reverse the effects of gingivitis.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is treatable, but the procedures are more painful and invasive and include scaling and root planing, removing tartar and plaque from underneath the gum line.

Signs of Gum Disease

Below are the most common symptoms of gum disease to be aware of:

1. Swollen, inflamed gum tissue 
2. Chronic bad breath 
3. Gums that bleed easily when brushed 
4. Receding gums 
5. Visible pus between the teeth 
6. Changes in bite pattern 
7. Teeth beginning to loosen 

At Severance Dental, we want to help you catch gum disease as quickly as possible, so you can avoid the uncomfortable procedures needed to reverse it. To make an appointment to discuss gum disease, please contact our Ault dentist today!