Gum disease or periodontitis is a serious infection that damages the tissue around your teeth. If it is not addressed promptly, it will eventually destroy the bones in your gums, causing your teeth to fall out. Gum disease is common in people who don’t take care of their teeth. It is avoidable by consistently brushing and flossing and keeping your dental cleaning appointments.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you have healthy gums, they should range in colour from light pink to dark pink in colour. Symptoms of gum disease include the following:
- Dark red, purple, or bright red gums.
- Gums that bleed easily when flossing or brushing.
- Your gums feel tender when you touch them.
- Your gums are puffy or swollen.
- You have bad breath.
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
- Your toothbrush looks pink after you brush your teeth.
- Your teeth are loose.
- It hurts when you chew.
- You have pus between your gums and teeth.
- You have spaces between your teeth that look like black triangles.
- Your teeth don’t seem to fit together properly when you bite.
- You have receding gums (your gums pull away from your teeth), so it looks like you have longer teeth77.
Preventing Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease, you must take excellent care of your teeth, including brushing after you eat and flossing at least once every day. Brushing eliminates food from between your teeth that may have found its way under your gums. It also removes residue from food that can encourage gum disease. Using mouthwash helps reduce plaque and can also remove food particles that you missed when brushing.
While you should see your dentist for dental checkups, if you are at a higher risk for gum disease, you should see the dentist more often. Risk factors include diet, smoking, age, and genetics.
Where to Find Gum Disease Treatment in Downtown Montreal
Dr. Lenny Slepchik in Downtown Montreal can help you improve your overall dental health. To learn how to prevent and treat gum disease or to schedule an appointment, please call 514-875-7971 or email reception@smilesbydrslepchik.com. Regular dental cleanings are very beneficial in treating periodontal disease.