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Gum disease, or periodontal disease is not something to be taken lightly. It can have lasting impacts on your oral health and can lead to teeth falling out if left untreated. If you’ve wondered “what does gum disease look like?”, you’ll know by the end of this article.
Protect yourself and your teeth by watching for the warning signs of gum disease and knowing how to fix it.
Losing teeth from gum disease? Take the 60-second quiz to see if you may be eligible for dental implants.
Don’t miss these warning signs from Dr. Zuniga about gum disease and you can prevent it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It typically starts as gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums.
Without proper care, it can progress to periodontitis (gum disease), where the inflammation affects the bone that supports the teeth causing them to fall out.
Lost teeth, in addition to gum disease are two contributing factors of bone loss - a condition that can change the shape and structure of the face.
If bone loss is left untreated for too long, it can be difficult, if not impossible to qualify for a permanent solution like dental implants.
If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to find a permanent solution like dental implants before it becomes too late.
Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease
So what does gum disease look like as symptoms? Here are the key items to watch for so you can catch the early signs:
- Bleeding gums: Especially when brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen gums: Inflammation and tenderness.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath from bacterial buildup.
- Receding gums: Gums pulling away from the teeth.
- Tooth sensitivity: Exposed roots can cause your teeth to be much more sensitive.
- Loose teeth: As the disease progresses teeth can become loose or fall out. This eventually leads to bone loss.
Gum disease starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. This is why good oral hygiene practices are so important in preventing gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, certain medications, and genetic factors can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
What Does Gum Disease Look Like in the Mouth?
In the early stages, gum disease may not be visible on x-rays. However, as it progresses, you can notice:
- Red, swollen gums: A clear sign of inflammation.
- Bleeding: Especially during brushing or flossing.
- Receding gums: Teeth appear longer as gums pull back.
- Pus between teeth and gums: Indicates infection.
- Tooth mobility: Teeth may shift or become loose.
In the advanced stages, gum disease can lead to significant bone loss around the teeth, making them loose and eventually leading to tooth loss if not treated.
Solutions to Gum Disease
Nobody wants to experience tooth loss from gum disease and the difficulties that come. However, if you have already dealt with missing or failing teeth, don’t lose hope!
There are permanent solutions to tooth loss that you can get in just 24 hours. Find out more below:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the standard for replacing missing teeth and are a great solution for those who have lost teeth due to severe gum disease. By replacing lost teeth, dental implants can:
Prevent further bone loss: Teeth are very important for maintaining your face and jaw structure. Without permanent teeth, your jaw bone can deteriorate and your facial structure can change.
Dentures, parietal dentures, and other temporary solutions are not enough to keep this from happening.
Provide stability: Implants are securely anchored in the jaw, providing a stable and permanent solution. Not only does your smile look and feel healthy, you can eat food freely and without pain. Never hide your smile again with dental implants!
Improve oral health: With dental implants, you don’t need to worry about losing teeth to gum disease or be left questioning “what does gum disease look like” any longer.
Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours
Some patients are hesitant when it comes to dental implants because of the time they think it can take to get them.
While this may be true for traditional methods of getting dental implants that can take up to 10+ months - you can instead get your new permanent teeth in 24 hours at Nuvia.
How does it work? Great question. Instead of being given temporary teeth when your dental implants are placed, you return to Nuvia the day after your dental implant procedure and are given your permanent zirconia teeth that our lab team works through the night to create.
Find out if you may be a candidate with this 60-second quiz.
