Many people mostly think about their teeth when they consider their oral health, but your connective tissues are equally as significant. Without sufficiently strong gums, there would be nothing to hold them in place!
Understanding some common indicators of potential problems, such as gingivitis or even gum cancer, helps you know when it’s time to contact your dental healthcare provider for help. But because they often exhibit similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Continue reading to learn more about how to tell the difference and ways to prevent periodontal issues!
What Are Common Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and occurs when bacteria in your mouth form plaque at your gumline and penetrate the tissues. This triggers an inflammatory response that can result in infection, which can cause the following symptoms:
- Swelling or darkening of the gums
- Chronic bad breath, or halitosis
- Oozing or bleeding when you brush or floss
- Sensitivity or increased tenderness
- Slightly receding gumline
Although this condition can sometimes be reversed with improved at-home dental hygiene, it often starts small and goes unnoticed, allowing the disease to progress into more advanced stages.
How Does Gum Cancer Present?
Gum cancer, a type of oral cancer, originates in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the insides of your gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof or floor of the oral cavity. It can progress and spread quickly, meaning that early diagnosis can potentially help improve a patient’s prognosis.
But it can be easy to mistake this issue with more common gum disease, so it’s important to understand the difference. Some signs you might have a more serious issue can include:
- A visible lump or growth in the mouth
- A sore throat that doesn’t heal
- Bleeding gums
- Pain in the mouth or jawbone
- Loose teeth
- Numbness in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Earaches
How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?
Thankfully, gingivitis can sometimes be reversed by following a twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing to remove bacteria that contribute to common dental concerns, including periodontal disease.
However, cleaning your mouth more consistently won’t treat gum cancer, which usually requires radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of these options.
That means proper prevention is essential. Visiting your provider every 6 months allows them to identify any areas of concern, such as periodontal disease or cancer, before they have a chance to progress!
About the Practice
Patients at Jacksonville Dental Specialists benefit from a team of experts passionate about enhancing their lives by improving their oral health. Dr. Aguila and Dr. Pereira are periodontists who collaborate with Dr. Nawrocki, a prosthodontist, to provide a variety of complex, surgical, and cosmetic procedures, including gum disease therapy, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate, lasting results that you can rely on. You can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (904) 683-4781.