7 Signs of Gum Disease

Dr. Kendall Skinner
Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:58:42 +0000
General Dentistry

You’ve likely heard about gum disease, and your dentists have probably emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing since you were a child. While it may have felt like a routine then, you now understand the serious consequences of neglecting oral care, like cavities and more severe dental issues such as gum disease. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of periodontal disease or simply striving to keep your smile healthy, working with skilled Anchorage dentists can help you avoid the need for dentures or invasive treatments. Regular checkups and expert care ensure your smile stays vibrant and healthy, preventing the long-term effects of untreated gum disease.

Aside from increasing the likelihood that you could lose teeth, gum disease can affect your overall health. It increases your chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. If you have any of the symptoms below, then you should contact our dentists.

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Understanding Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and hardens. Plaque not removed by brushing and flossing can infect the gums and lead to the symptoms of gum disease. Several factors contribute to the development of gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes in women, medications that reduce saliva flow, certain illnesses, and genetic susceptibility.

1. Tender Gums

Healthy gums shouldn’t feel like anything most of the time. When eating, brushing your teeth, or even touching your gums, you should feel the pressure but not any pain. If your gums hurt in response to any normal daily activity, it’s a sign that they’re unhealthy.

2. “Puffy” Gums

Healthy gums should look tight and flat in appearance, seemingly hugging your teeth. When gums become infected, they swell with additional fluid, including blood, so that the tissue can fight invading bacteria. This creates the “puffy” look. If left in this state for long, they will begin to separate from your teeth.

3. Bloody Gums

It’s plain and simple: healthy gums don’t bleed. Even though it’s hard to admit when your gums aren’t healthy, the fact is that if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss, you have mild to severe infection. If this happens, you will normally notice a metal taste in your mouth.

If you smoke, your gums will have less blood flowing to that area, making bleeding more difficult to detect, even though you’re more likely to have serious gum disease.

4. Food Trapped in Gums

Healthy gums hold tight to your teeth. There is little space between them. This means that you should rarely get food stuck between your teeth and gums. When food like popcorn husks and potato chips regularly get stuck between your teeth and gums, it’s not just painful; it’s a sign that your gums are unhealthy.

5. Receding Gums

Although it’s a common assumption that our body changes over time, gums should not recede with our hairline. If you’ve noticed that your gums are pulling away from your teeth, this could be a sign of a major infection. Your teeth don’t keep growing with age. If your teeth seem to be getting longer, it’s actually because your gums are receding. This can look unhealthy and unnatural, causing smile dissatisfaction.

6. Bad Breath All the Time

Everybody gets bad breath once in a while from the foods that we eat. However, if you have bad breath almost all the time, it’s usually because you have anaerobic bacteria in your mouth somewhere. These bacteria use sulfur instead of oxygen, so they emit smelly compounds. The most common place for them to thrive is in pockets developing around your gums.

7. “Wiggly” Teeth

Common misconceptions often lead us to believe that teeth are planted directly into the jaw bone. Instead, there is a band of ligament that connects the tooth to the jaw. If your gums become infected, this ligament can weaken and eventually detach from the tooth. Because this is a sign of advanced gum disease, if you notice your teeth have become loose, it’s important to seek treatment from Anchorage dentists as soon as possible.

Early Detection and Treatment: Your First Line of Defense

Early detection of gum disease can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health conditions.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and management of gum disease. During these visits, we can remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing at home can’t handle. Our team can also detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatment options to prevent its progression.

Protect Your Life with the Help of an Anchorage Dentist

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even certain cancers. The best defense is consistent oral hygiene—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental visits.

Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and uncontrolled diabetes all raise your risk of gum disease. Managing these factors and staying hydrated can help protect your gums and overall health.

Regular professional cleanings at our Anchorage dental office remove tartar that brushing can’t, reducing harmful bacteria and keeping your smile healthy. Because gum disease can impact your entire body, don’t ignore the warning signs—schedule an appointment if you notice bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in your gums.

Give us a call at (907) 349-0022 or contact us and come see why everyone is raving about the hygiene team at Excellence In Dentistry in Anchorage, Alaska!

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Gum Disease Treatment FAQ’s

Understanding how gum disease develops—and what you can do to prevent or treat it—is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Below are some of the most common questions our Anchorage patients ask about gum health, treatment, and local factors that can influence your oral care.

How Often Should I Get a Periodontal Cleaning?

Most patients benefit from professional dental cleanings every six months. However, if you’ve been treated for gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months. These visits allow us to remove bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t reach and to monitor your gum health more closely so it stays under control.

Does Alaska’s Climate Affect Gum Health?

Anchorage’s cold, dry winters can contribute to gum irritation and inflammation. Dry air and reduced hydration lower saliva production, allowing bacteria to thrive along the gumline. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier indoors, and maintaining regular dental visits can help protect your gums through the long winter months.

Who Treats Gum Disease in Anchorage?

Both general dentists and periodontists provide care for gum disease, depending on the severity of your condition. At Excellence in Dentistry, our Anchorage dentists can diagnose and treat most stages of gum disease. For complex cases involving advanced bone or tissue loss, we may work with a trusted local periodontist to ensure you receive the highest level of care.

What Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost in Anchorage?

The cost of treating gum disease depends on how advanced it is and what type of care you need. Early stages may only require routine cleanings and improved home care, while more advanced cases could involve deep cleaning or periodontal therapy. We’ll review all options and provide a personalized estimate before any treatment begins so you can make informed decisions about your care.