Summary
No matter whether it is swollen or bleeding, any impact on the gum can leave you wondering about your overall oral health.
Interestingly, gum disease is more common than you think!
Nearly 47.3% of adults aged 30 or above have some form of gum infection.
When left untreated for long, a gum infection can harm the mouth. It affects your overall health and damages your jaw and gums.
Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at gum disease and infection via topics like:
- What Is Gum Sensitivity?
- Different Stages of Gum Disease
- What Is Gingivitis? Is It Different From Gum Sensitivity?
- The Difference Between Gum Disease, Periodontitis, and Gingivitis
- Tips to Prevent Gum Disease or Infections
Continue reading as we learn more about them in the following sections.
What Is Gum Sensitivity?
Gum sensitivity or soreness is a mild inflammation that causes modest gum pain. While many consider it a regular issue, severe gum sensitivity might indicate gingivitis or gum disease.
While it occurs rarely and focally, it might result from gum inflammation caused by traumatic brushing or abrasive dental cleaning. Vigorous brushing or flossing your teeth may cause gum injury.
If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, it may be bad for your gums. So switch to an extra-soft bristled brush and replace it every two or three months.
Different Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses via four phases. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe ailment.
Stage 1:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflamed or red gums that bleed when brushed.
Stage 2:
Even if other signs are challenging to detect, early periodontitis causes little bone loss that supports the teeth.
Stage 3:
Moderate periodontitis destroys more bone and gum tissue, and teeth may become loose.
Stage 4:
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of the disease. Symptoms worsen, teeth become extremely loose, and biting and chewing may be painful.
Thorough dental treatment is often necessary to repair the damage caused by advanced periodontitis. Therefore, visit your dentist for gum disease in Lubbock, TX, as soon as possible for gum disease.
What Is Gingivitis? Is It Different From Gum Sensitivity?
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Bacterial infection is typically the initial reason. If left untreated, it might progress to periodontitis.Some symptoms are persistent and may suggest that you already have gingivitis. The symptoms are:
- Swollen and tender gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Bleeding gums (especially when you brush)
- Persistent redness
Gum bleeding with brushing or flossing is most likely the most typical symptom. Remember that bleeding gums after brushing is never something you should expect; therefore, you should see your dentist.
Make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible to remedy gum disease and prevent issues before they worsen.
The Difference Between Gum Disease, Periodontitis, and Gingivitis
There may be some misunderstanding with the medical language around gum disease, but it is very straightforward. The term “gum disease” refers to all phases of periodontal disease, including periodontitis and gingivitis.
Gingivitis is an early (and treatable) gum disease characterized by swollen, red gums that bleed when flossed or brushed. Gingivitis can advance to the more dangerous (and irreversible) stage of gum disease known as periodontitis if not treated.
On the contrary, periodontitis damages the gums, bone, and connective tissue that keep teeth in place, eventually loosening them enough to come out. Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss.
Tips to Prevent Gum Disease or Infections
1. Floss
According to the American Dental Association, you should floss at least once daily. This helps to eliminate plaque and food that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing may be done at any time, whether at night, in the morning, or after lunch. Simply do it!
2. Be Regular for Your Oral Cleanings
If you visit dental in lubbock texas frequently, they can identify early indications of gum disease and treat symptoms before they get worse. Tartar removal requires skilled cleaning. Plaque that you missed during brushing or flossing may be helped to go. Gingivitis can be reversed with frequent dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing.
3. Quit Smoking
Another incentive for smokers to quit: smoking is highly connected with the development of gum disease. Smoking affects your immune system, making it more difficult to battle a gum infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, smoking makes it difficult for your gums to recover once they have been injured.
4. Brush Twice Daily!
Brush your teeth after each meal. This helps remove food and plaque stuck between your gums and teeth. Scrub your tongue, too, as it can house bacteria. Experts recommend that your toothbrush have soft bristles and fit pleasantly in your mouth.
Consider a battery-operated or electric toothbrush. These can more effectively eliminate gingivitis and plaque than manual brushing. Replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months or sooner if the bristles get frayed.
5. Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
Store shelves are stocked with toothpaste products that promise to alleviate gingivitis, whiten teeth, and refresh breath. How can you tell which one is better for healthy gums? Make sure you get fluoride toothpaste with the ADA mark of approval. After that, you get to choose the taste and color!
6. Use A Restorative Mouthwash
The American Dental Association states that frequently sold over-the-counter therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or eliminate gingivitis, inhibit tartar formation or a combination of these benefits. While rinsing your mouth can help remove food particles and debris, it is not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
Seek for the ADA seal, which attests to its established functionality and safety. Remember, it does not matter if you floss, rinse, or brush first. Simply perform a decent job and utilize the appropriate products.
7. Stay Away from Soda
The Minnesota Dental Association’s “Sip All Day, Get Decay” campaign warns consumers about the hazards of fizzy beverages. Not only is drinking sugar bad for your teeth, but diet soda is also bad. The acid in soda affects the teeth. Acid eats away at the enamel, causing cavities, leaving stains on the tooth surface, and eroding the tooth’s internal structure. To minimize drinking-related tooth decay, limit your use of soft drinks and practice basic oral hygiene.
Takeaway
- Gingivitis is an early (and treatable) gum disease characterized by swollen, red gums that bleed when flossed or brushed.
- Gum disease progresses via four phases. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe ailment.
- Store shelves are stocked with toothpaste products that promise to alleviate gingivitis, whiten teeth, and refresh breath.
- Don’t let the confusion between gum disease and infection trouble you! Visit our experts at Lubbock Dental Care today.
