Gum disease comes in different forms. Periodontal disease, being a common condition, is usually the result of extended poor oral hygiene. There are inflammatory conditions that can affect the soft gum tissue. A cut, for example, can quickly lead to infection, while a common area for the onset of gum disease (gingivitis) is the line where the teeth meet the gums.

Here are some clear signs that you are in the first stages of gum disease.

• Bleeding Gums– If you notice blood when rinsing out after a brush, this could be a sign that your gums are starting to become inflamed. With a visit to a trusted Brisbane dentist or to a dental practice near you, you can have prompt treatment to prevent any lasting damage. This is not something to ignore, as it might lead to periodontitis, which is an advanced stage of gum disease. You can combine your next check-up with an examination looking for signs of gum disease.
• Swelling– Inflammation of the gums could be caused by several things. It could be due to an infection, or the onset of gum disease. If you experience swollen gums, make an appointment with your local dentist and have a health professional take a look. One of the reasons why we should see our dentist often is to look for signs of gum disease and early treatment is always the best solution.
• Loose Teeth– A receding gumline can result in teeth becoming loose. Bacterial infections can occur and these remove essential tissue support. If you experience a slight ‘wobble’ with one of your teeth, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as is practical. There is an effective treatment if discovered early, which involves pushing the tissue back onto the teeth, while antibiotics would be prescribed.
• Gum Abscess – If a gum infection has reached this point, it will already be painful and you need to seek out a dentist quickly. Taking painkillers and hoping it will magically cure itself is not going to do it. There are dentists that keep back appointment slots for such an emergency and a Google search will help you find an emergency dentist near you.
• Receding Gumline– If, while brushing, you notice your gums are slightly receding, this could be the onset of gingivitis and a visit to the dentist is advised. As mentioned earlier, receding gums lead to the loosening of teeth, so don’t delay in seeking out a dentist if you have receding gums.

Ask any dentist and they will confirm that the best preventative treatment is to have a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure to visit the clinic at least twice a year too. Like most medical conditions, gum disease gets worse over time and is largely due to poor oral hygiene; failing to floss, for example, or not brushing before going to bed. If the bacteria are not removed, it feeds plaque. The problem then becomes more severe.

There are a lot of free resources online about gum disease and reading up can help you to take precautions to reduce the risk of having any oral issues.