Gum problems goes through a progression of stages, with the early ones being reversible and the later ones posing a serious risk to your oral health. Regular dental visits are vital for monitoring the health of your gums, but watching for symptoms of the problem at home allows you to take a proactive role in caring for your mouth.
What are the Signs of Gum Problems?
Some are minor and may not raise a red flag, while others are cause for concern and indicate an obvious problem. At the first signs of gum problems, your dentist and dental hygienist will give you instructions for stopping it in its tracks., provided you know there is a problem.
Look out for the following early signs of gum problems and contact your dental care provider right away if they appear.
The first stage of gum problems, also called gingivitis, is reversible and occurs when plaque buildup allows germs to infect your gums. You might notice a slight to moderate irritation along your gumline, along with bleeding when you brush and floss. Many people write these symptoms off as a sensitive mouth or brushing too harshly, without realizing that they might be heading towards a more serious oral health problem.
While proper brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping gum problems at bay, regular dental visits are important for removing harmful plaque and preventing further gum problems. In general, brush your upper and lower teeth gently at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline using short back and forth strokes against the teeth and gumline. Use the tip of the brush to reach behind each front tooth, on the top and bottom. Do this each morning and each night. Additionally, floss once a day to remove debris stuck between your teeth. Rinse your mouth well to get rid of food particles and bacteria. See your dentist once or twice a year for a professional cleaning.
What are the signs of gum disease and gum problems? They might sneak up on you, but if you see any changes in your mouth, make an appointment with your call to your dentist. A check-up can give you peace of mind and allow your dentist to look out for the first signs of gum problems.