Recognizing the Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

In this video, Dr. Aaron Bratton explains the stages of gum disease, from gingivitis to periodontitis, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular professional cleanings. Schedule a consultation at Atkins Dental Clinic today to address any signs of gum disease and maintain your oral health.

Gum disease is a broad term that includes conditions ranging from mild inflammation to severe infection. One of the earliest signs is bleeding while brushing. If there’s no pain but you see blood, your gums are inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis. This stage is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting your teeth.

Plaque, the soft buildup on teeth, hardens into tartar over time. Once tartar forms, it cannot be brushed off and irritates the gums, causing swelling, bleeding, and recession. As the gums pull away, bacteria move deeper, leading to bone loss and tooth instability. While gingivitis can be managed with improved care, periodontitis requires professional treatment to prevent serious damage. Regular dental visits and consistent hygiene are key to maintaining gum health.

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