At Full Circle Dental Care, our esteemed dentist, Dr. Samuel Sigmon, and dedicated team want to remind you that healthy gums are essential to your overall well-being, and we believe there’s no better time to do so than during National Gum Care Month in September.
Here, we reveal three telltale signs that you might be neglecting your gum health.
Healthy gums are firm and pink, and your gums shouldn’t hurt when you brush or floss. Redness, swelling, and tenderness are often some of the earliest signs of gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease.
These symptoms can develop when bacteria start accumulating around the gumline. It’s important to seek help before the bacteria burrow below your gums to cause advanced gum disease (periodontitis).
Bleeding gums are never normal. It might be tempting to discount minor bleeding during brushing or flossing as nothing serious, but it’s something you should pay attention to because it can be an early hint of gingivitis.
Just as bacteria at the gumline can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness, it also can cause serious inflammation that triggers bleeding. Even if the bleeding only happens once in a while, any blood is too much blood when it comes to your gums.
Fortunately, occasional bleeding is usually easy to stop when we treat the gingivitis early.
Bad breath that won’t go away, or a lingering bad taste in your mouth, even after brushing, could be more than just an annoyance — it might be a sign of gingivitis. Bacteria can emit an odor, particularly as it builds up, and it’s difficult to address with brushing and flossing alone.
However, we can clear away those stubborn bacteria and get your oral health back on track so you don’t offend others (or yourself!) with your breath.
Gum disease is progressive: It gets worse without treatment. In the early stages, we can usually treat gum disease with routine cleanings, deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), and, if necessary, antibiotics.
Even if you have periodontitis, we can address your symptoms and help prevent it from progressing. For example, a deep cleaning followed by laser therapy can give your gums a fresh new start and help prevent new bacteria from collecting.
Have you been neglecting your gums, or have you noticed these signs of gum disease? Call our Del City, Oklahoma, office today at 405-677-0516 or book your appointment online. Your gums will thank you!
