Gum disease is incredibly common among American adults. In fact, it is the second most common dental health issue. Because gum disease is common does not mean that it is inevitable or impossible to prevent. Gum disease can be reversed if treated early enough. Many people who develop severe gum disease do so because they missed the early signs that could have been treated. If you are better able to notice the early signs of gum disease, you will be better able to reverse, treat, or manage the problem. Because your dentist is trained in looking for these signs, you can rely on regular dental checkups and cleanings to help you stay on top of potential issues. 

Visual Changes to Your Smile

As the name suggests, gum disease affects the soft gum tissue that surrounds your teeth’s roots and dental ridges. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the result of excessive buildup of harmful oral bacteria along your gums. Inflammation and infection is caused by bacteria irritating your gum tissue. The color of your gums can become red, swollen, and may bleed when brushing and flossing. The more severe that gum disease becomes, the darker your gum tissues may become. In addition to swelling and change of color, gum disease can also cause the tissue to separate or recede away from your teeth roots. Though it may not be obvious at first, the periodontal pockets formed by gum recession can become more noticeable the deeper the separation grows.

Importance of Cleanings

If your gums begin to recede from your tooth roots, you may begin to feel an increased sensitivity and pain. Before gum recession begins and in the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis, your dentist may be able to reverse the disease with a deep cleaning. Even after gum disease has progressed, an ultrasonic scaling and root planing can manage the disease to help prevent it from causing more danger to your smile.

Knowing the signs of gum disease can protect your smile

Gum disease is incredibly common. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.