What is gum disease? Gum disease also known as periodontitis, is a chronic gum infection that damages the soft and hard tissues surrounding teeth. This begins with the bacterial growth in your mouth, if left without treatment; it can destroy the bone, and even result in tooth loss. The common early signs of a possible gum disease are swollen and bleeding gum. Gum disease is largely preventable, so it is much recommended to get them treated before it gets worse. Brushing and flossing your teeth once a day and regular dental visits can treat it in no time or even reduce the risk of developing it. What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease? What causes gum disease? When to see a dentist? Read below:

• Signs and Symptoms – when we say healthy gums, it means having a firm, pale-looking around your teeth. Swollen, bleeding, or even that may seem to be pulling away from your teeth are some signs of an unhealthy gum.
• Purplish gums
• Gums bleeding easily during or after brushing and flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Loose of shifting teeth or loss of teeth
• Swollen
• New spaces between your teeth
• Receding gums
• Painful chewing
• Causes of gum disease
• Plaque – in most cases, gum disease start with plaque. It forms on your teeth when debris of the food you eat is found in your mouth.  Brushing and flossing your teeth helps remove the plaque but must seek dental help immediately because it reforms quickly. Plaque hardens under your gum line and can develop into tartar which is a lot more difficult to remove if it stays on your teeth.
• Hormonal changes – those who experience puberty, monthly menstruation or pregnancy are most likely to have sensitive gums and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Drugs – some medicines can affect your oral health. Medicinal drugs such as Dilantin can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
• Bad habits – drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, eating too much colored and sugary foods makes it harder for the gum tissue to repair itself.
• Poor oral hygiene – neglecting your oral routine such as brushing and flossing your teeth will put your gums at risk and may develop gingivitis.

Now, when to find a good dentist? Follow your chosen dentist’s schedule for regular dental checkups. Keep in mind that it is way better to make an appointment as early as you can to prevent the development of periodontal disease because preventing it is always better than cure. The sooner, the better.