Gum disease is a condition that can develop when the bacteria in our mouths is not cleaned properly. The first stages of gum disease are often known as gingivitis. These particular stages are easily treatable as long as you visit our office routinely, and can usually even be reversed with proper treatment and care. Are you wondering what symptoms might help alert you to the presence of gingivitis? Let’s take a look!
The first thing that you might notice if you are suffering from gingivitis is that your gums are inflamed and bleed easily. They feel swollen, in other words, and you often see blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after brushing and flossing your teeth. Again, this kind of gum disease is usually reversible if you see a dentist and submit to routine treatment.
The next stages in gum disease are known as periodontitis, and they are the most serious stages of the disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, where your gums will pull away from your teeth and form areas that develop infection. As this infection grows beneath the gums of your teeth, your body’s immune system will attempt to fight the bacteria. This can lead to a loss of gum tissue as well as bone. Eventually, your teeth could become loose and need to be removed due to the damaging effects of gum disease.