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Periodontitis, or simply gum disease, is one of the main oral health problems your dentist wants to prevent. When it first manifests, it’s known as gingivitis. When it advances to periodontal disease, it can cause pain, tooth loss, and bone recession, so it's important to take preventive measures. The first step is learning about the early warning signs.

How Can You Tell if You Have Gingivitis?

1. Changes in the Gums

The first sign you're likely to notice is that your gums become redder. They may also swell up, look puffy, and bleed easily when you brush or floss. At this stage, gingivitis is simple to reverse with more careful, regular flossing. Eventually, however, the gums will start to pull away from the base of your teeth, and you may need periodontal therapy from your dentist to correct it.

2. Discomfort

DentistWhen your gums are swollen and irritated, they're extra sensitive and may sting when touched. You might also notice a pain that’s reminiscent of a toothache.

If gingivitis advances far enough for the gums to pull back, the problem will worsen. Tooth roots don't have a coating of enamel to protect them and can get painfully sensitive when exposed.

3. Bad Breath

There are several potential reasons for chronic bad breath, one of which is gum disease. The odor is caused by infected tissue and bacteria and won't go away when you brush your teeth. As gingivitis advances, you may also notice an unpleasant taste or may see pus forming between the teeth and gums due to the infection.

 

To start fighting against gingivitis, schedule an appointment to see Greensboro, NC, dentist Judy Walker, DDS. Based in Guilford County, Dr. Walker has over 25 years of experience and offers both general and cosmetic dentistry services for patients of all ages. The compassionate team uses the latest equipment to ensure beautiful, lasting results. Call (336) 275-1472 to schedule or learn more online.

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