Top Signs of Early Gum Disease

Gum disease is no trivial matter. It’s a serious dental problem with about 50% of U.S. adults over 30 showing mild-to-severe signs. 

Gum disease, the chief cause of tooth loss, is defined by chronic inflammation caused by accumulated bacteria. If ignored, the bacteria causing periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream and increase your chances of:

• Lung infection
• Premature labor and low infant birth weight
• Chronic inflammatory diseases, like heart disease and diabetes

Dr. Lana Rozenberg at Rozenberg Dental NYC wants you to catch and treat gum disease in its early stages. Here are signs you might have early gum disease, and treatment options. 

Swollen, bleeding gums, or irritated gums

Gingivitis, the medical term for swollen and inflamed gums, is an early sign of gum disease. If you have gingivitis, your gums can feel sore to the touch and bleed when you floss or brush your teeth each day. Improving your daily dental hygiene habits can help reverse or prevent gingivitis.

Chronic bad breath

Do you suffer from chronic bad breath that makes you shy away from others, and others shy away from you? The bacteria that damage gum tissue can make your breath smell foul. Bacteria buildup can also leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Tooth sensitivity

If hot or cold beverages cause tooth pain, you may be feeling the beginnings of gum disease. Increased sensitivity is the result of gum inflammation that destroys gum tissue and bone, leaving tooth roots exposed to extreme temperatures.

If you have regular tooth sensitivity, you should give Dr. Rozenberg a call so she can determine if early gum disease is causing your pain.

Loss of teeth

Progressive periodontal disease can cause your teeth to loosen and become less stable. Eventually, one or more teeth can fall out.

To avoid losing teeth, Dr. Rozenberg can check the depth of gum pockets surrounding each tooth, which will tell her if you have early gum disease.

What to do if you have early gum disease

If you catch gum disease in its early stages, the periodontal problem is relatively easy to treat. Gum disease therapies include:

• Injecting an antibiotic at points of inflammation
• Improving your brushing and flossing
• Scheduling professional cleanings more frequently

More advanced periodontal disease can be treated with deep cleaning treatments, known as scaling and root planing. 

If you fear you’re developing gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosenberg by calling 212-265-7724, or booking online via our website.