The Easy To Miss Signs of Gum Disease in Jacksonville, FL

It’s always a little disturbing when you’re brushing your teeth and you look down at the splashes of red in the sink. Your gums keep bleeding lately, and you don’t know why. You haven’t changed your routine at all. What is causing this? You might have gum disease in Jacksonville, FL, and Dr. Ryan Johnson wants you to know other signs to look for, as well as how you can manage it.  

Early Signs of Gum Disease

Much of dentistry is concerned with keeping your teeth healthy, but the gums are just as important when it comes to your oral health. They do two very important things: One, they protect the sensitive enamel around your teeth’s roots, and two, they bring essential blood flow to the area. Just like your teeth, the buildup of plaque and bacteria can eventually lead to the breakdown of the gum tissue. This is what we call gum disease. Some common signs are:

• Red, swollen, or puffy gums
• Gums that bleed frequently
• Receding gums

These are the initial signs of gum disease. It starts very subtly and takes a long time to develop, and can eventually impact your mouth’s health dramatically.  All of these symptoms can advance until you have painful pockets of bacteria and pus on your gums. It is actually one of the leading causes of tooth loss as well. If your gums feel tender or are bleeding on a consistent basis, you need to take action.

Gum Disease Management

Gum disease is not treated, it is managed. This means that you regularly need to take steps to stop it from affecting your oral health. Treatment implies that you simply cure it and you’re finished. This is not the case. Gum disease, like tooth decay, is a constant threat.

The best way to manage your gum disease is to brush and floss every day, paying particular attention along the gum-line. Many people miss this area of their mouth whenever they clean their teeth, and this neglect is how bacteria can accumulate. Be sure to clean where your teeth meet you gums every time.

Another way you can manage it is to get regular check-ups with your dentist in Northside Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Johnson or Dr. Baxter will always examine your gums whenever you come into the office, and this will enable them to catch gum disease early and treat it easily.

Of course, if you have already developed a more advanced case of gum disease, you may need additional treatment. This could include a deep cleaning along the gums, or the use of a soft-tissue laser to eliminate pockets of bacteria.

Want To Know More?

Gum disease can be easily managed with daily oral hygiene, along with routine visits to your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. All it takes is a few simple steps to keep your mouth clean and healthy for years to come. The key is to be consistent in your attention and care.

If you’d like to know more about how to properly manage gum disease, or what signs you should look for, please give us a call today.