Gum disease is one of the most unpleasant dental problems around. Nobody likes to brush their teeth and suddenly discover blood on their toothbrush. It can be terrifying. Whenever you notice blood on your toothbrush you are likely suffering from gum disease. The good news is that this is a common dental problem that can easily be rectified if caught early.
The Stages of Gum Disease
The first stage of gum disease is when you notice blood on your toothbrush while you are brushing. You may also notice blood when you eat harder foods such as candy, apples, or carrots. If you don't visit your dentist to get this corrected it will continue to progress into what is known as gingivitis. When you have gingivitis your gums will become swollen.
This is a very painful condition and you may start having very bad breath. If this is also not addressed it will progress into periodontal disease. At this stage, you can experience damage to your jaw.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss. This means that it is important to prevent it in the first place. The good news is that preventing periodontal disease is not very difficult. Good oral hygiene is often all that is needed. This means that you should make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least two times per day.
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to do this. Floss every day, especially before bedtime. This way you can remove any food particles that are between your teeth before you go to sleep. You should also use mouthwash after you have brushed and flossed your teeth. Additionally, remember to visit your dentist regularly so that they can spot gum disease and get it rectified before it gets out of hand.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Once gum disease is identified early it can be treated with antibiotics and a good cleaning. This is often all that is needed to reverse the process. If however, it is not treated for a long period reversing the damage is difficult to impossible. If the disease has spread rapidly enough surgery may be needed to remove the infection. Needless to say, a casualty of all of this can be your teeth.
If you suspect that you have any kind of gum disease it is a good idea to take action immediately and visit your dentist. This can save you a lot of pain down the line. You should also start practicing good gentle hygiene to prevent the condition from becoming worse.
Contact a periodontist to learn more.
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