Gum disease or periodontal disease is a common infection that affects adults. Gradually, it can result in you losing structural support in your mouth, causing tooth loss and tooth mobility. Bacteria naturally grow in your mouth; however, if these bacteria are not treated or tended to, they can spread or destroy gum tissue. A visit to a Parkland, Florida dentist will ensure gum disease is detected in its early stage. 

How to Know You Have Gum Disease

While gum disease is diagnosed following a thorough periodontal assessment and X-rays, some red flags indicate you have this condition. These red flags include the following:

• Gum bleeding and swelling. Nearly all people with gum disease experience bleeding and swelling gums. If your gums are puffy and bleed easily when you brush and floss your teeth, and this condition doesn’t improve within two weeks, you should schedule a periodontal examination.
• Bad breath. Halitosis might indicate you have gum disease. Bad breath occurs as gum infections have odorous bacteria and dying tissue, creating a foul smell that no mint or mouth rinse can cover.
• Tartar buildup. Often, tartar is the hard, yellow buildup on the teeth, specifically along the gumlines. When not addressed promptly, tartar will become bigger and grow deeper around your teeth’s roots. When this happens, the surrounding tissues will completely detach. 

Treating and Preventing Gum Disease

To avoid gum disease, you should follow brush your teeth at least twice every day, floss your teeth every day, and get dental cleanings every six months. Often, it’s possible to reverse early gum infections such as gingivitis in around two weeks with proper dental hygiene. However, this is not the case for an advanced periodontal disease where bone and tissue loss are present. 

Usually, treatment for periodontal disease includes deep cleanings to get rid of bacteria from below your gums. If you have advanced periodontal disease, you may need grafting and medication or be referred to a specialist. 

Moreover, if you smoke, you should consider stopping. Smoking presents many risks to your health, including reduced blood circulation that your mouth and gums need to stay healthy. Also, smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease.

Lastly, you can avoid gum disease with improved nutrition. Sugars speed up the buildup of plaque, gum disease, and tooth decay. Increased sugar consumption interacts with your mouth’s existing bacteria, accelerating acid production. Maintaining a diet with balanced nutrition and fewer sugary snacks and drinks will ensure your gum tissue is healthy.