Gum Pain or Sensitivity? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're like most people, you don't pay much attention to your gums until and unless you begin to experience pain and/or discomfort in that particular area. Unfortunately, gum disease has a way of sneaking up on people by exhibiting only very minor symptoms at its onset, causing many people to simply ignore the signs that something may be wrong instead of scheduling an appointment with their dentist. Early-stage gum disease is known as gingivitis, and like other dental health issues, gingivitis can be stopped or even reversed if it's caught in time. However, if gingivitis is left to progress, it is very likely to progress to a more serious condition called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue. Left unchecked, it has the potential to cause tooth loss, and in its advanced stages, it may become systemic and affect other parts of the body, such as the cardiovascular and nervous system. Because each case of periodontal disease starts with small signs that your gum tissue may not be as healthy as it should be, it's important to be mindful of any changes, no matter how slight. Signs that gingivitis may be on the horizon include the following.

• General tenderness of gum tissues
• Inflammation of gum tissues
• Bleeding during or after brushing and/or flossing

The first thing that you should do if you notice any of these symptoms is to take careful stock of your oral hygiene routine and be honest with yourself about whether you could be doing better. Many people, for instance, often feel too tired at the end of a busy day to spend the recommended two full minutes brushing their teeth, but even doing this on an occasional basis contributes to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth — which is what causes the bacterial infection that begins as gingivitis and morphs into periodontal disease. If an honest self-assessment shows that your oral hygiene routine is lacking, it's time to make more of an effort. Brush and floss at least twice per day, rinse your mouth with clean water after lunch or other meals eaten away from home, and as an added measure of protection, use an antibacterial mouthwash. What's next? The second thing you should do is make an appointment to see your family dentist. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to determine whether you are experiencing the initial stages of gum disease that is part of the picture or if something else is going on. 

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