Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help you identify the condition early and seek treatment before it becomes more severe.
Gum disease is a condition millions of people around the world suffer from. Also known as periodontal disease, it’s caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and infection of the gums. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated.
If you think you have gum disease, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of gum disease.
Bleeding gums – One of the most common signs of gum disease is bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, it could be a sign of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Healthy gums should not bleed when you brush or floss.
Bad breath – Also called halitosis, it can be a sign of gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can produce an unpleasant odor that can be difficult to eliminate with regular brushing and flossing.
Swollen or tender gums – If your gums are swollen or tender, it could be a sign of gum disease. Inflammation of the gums is a common symptom of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.
Receding gums – It could be a sign of gum disease if your gums are receding or pulling away from your teeth. Receding gums can make your teeth look longer and expose the roots of your teeth, which can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Loose teeth – If your teeth feel loose or are shifting in your mouth, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease. Gum disease can damage the bone and tissue that support your teeth, which can cause them to become loose and eventually fall out.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential. Your dentist can thoroughly examine and determine if you have gum disease. If you have gum disease, your dentist can recommend treatment options to help you manage the condition and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease is the best approach. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams can help keep your gums and teeth healthy. If you are at a higher risk for gum disease due to smoking or diabetes, taking extra care of your oral hygiene and seeing your dentist more frequently is essential.
Schedule an Appointment
Gum disease is a common condition with severe consequences if left untreated. Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help you identify the state early and seek treatment before it becomes more severe. If you are experiencing gum disease symptoms, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential to determine the best course of treatment.
