Everyone has heard of gingivitis, but did you know that more people than ever have symptoms of this type of gum disease without even realizing it? We have all seen posters in the dentist’s office that show off the horrors of advanced gum disease. Many people feel safe because their gums may not look severely diseased like these posters. The truth is the beginning stages of gum disease are sometimes hard to notice. If you catch this problem early, however, you can help ensure your mouth stays healthy. One thing to help you maintain strong, healthy gums is to find a specialized dentist such as a periodontist in Leesburg, VA, to help take care of all of your gum’s needs. Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche is an experienced periodontist who may be able to help reverse the damage of this painful gum disease.
Things to Look For
In the early stages of gingivitis, you may notice a little bit more tenderness in your gums. For some people, they only notice this while getting examined by their dental hygienist or dentist. Another thing to look for is the presence of blood during flossing or brushing. This may be a sign of sensitive gums that could be prone to developing gum disease.
Prevention is Key
The most important thing to keep in mind is that gingivitis can be prevented. Regular brushing at least two times a day for two minutes or longer can help keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest levels. Most importantly, you need to make sure that flossing becomes part of your daily routine. Forgetting this important step is one of the biggest risk factors for developing diseased gums. Particles of food can get wedged in the spaces between your teeth, which may lead to bacteria growth and the breakdown of your gums.
If you want to see how your gums stand up, make an appointment today with Dr. Kharmouche by calling (571) 918-9634. We look forward to helping you keep gum disease at bay.