Is it gum disease?

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions for adults. How can you tell if you have it?
Jul 19, 2009 | By: The Health Local Staff

You may automatically associate gum disease with old age, but the truth is gum disease can happen at any age and is one of the most common dental problems adults face. The scary part is that it’s a silent disease: you may not know you have it until it’s too late.

The Canadian Dental Association says there is good news when it comes to gum disease. It can almost always be prevented, and can still be treated even after it starts. Here’s what you need to know about this condition:

The basics

When you gums and bones are healthy, they hold your teeth firmly in place. Gum disease affects the way your teeth are attached to your gums, and it all starts with plaque build-up. Plaque forms on your teeth every day after eating, and if you don’t remove it by brushing and flossing several times a day, it hardens into something called tartar or calculus.

The problem occurs when plaque turns into tartar, because unlike plaque, tartar can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Tartar can lead to an infection, and eventually cause gingivitis (early gum disease), which you may not even be able to detect. If that continues to worsen, you could end up with full-blown gum disease.

Want to know if you have it? Check your gums on a regular basis for these signs of gum disease:

• A change in the colour of your gums
• Gums that are red around your teeth
• Gums that bleed every time you brush or floss
• Bad breath that will not go away
• A taste of metal in your mouth
• Shiny, puffy or sore gums
• Teeth that are sensitive for no reason

Prevention is the best cure

According to the CDA, The best way to deal with gum disease is not to get it in the first place. The CDA recommends you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see your dentist regularly for oral examinations.