How to tell if you have gum inflammation. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

If your gums feel itchy or uncomfortable, hurt when you eat and frequently bleed, you may have a gum disease also called periodontal disease. These chronic diseases are common but usually go unnoticed, since they cause little or no pain. Many tend to disregard the odd painful feeling in the mouth or the bleeding when brushing or chewing on hard food, but these are the warning signs for two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis . Gingivitis reflects mild to moderate inflammation of your gums which without proper dental care, can progress into the more serious condition, periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss and destruction of the jaw bone.

You may have gingivitis if:

Your gums bleed easily when brushing, flossing, chewing on hard food or without any reason.
Your gums are tender to the touch
Your gums are red, swollen and separate from your teeth.
You have persistently bad breath
It hurts when you chew or when food gets caught between your teeth.
Your teeth are starting to get loose or move.

As part of my comprehensive examination I dedicate much time to examine the condition of the gums and measure the areas in your mouth around the teeth using a small, ruler-like tool called a probe. If your measurements reveal larger-than-normal measurements or gaps between your teeth, you probably have gingivitis or periodontitis. I may need to take a dental X-rays to evaluate any loss of bone tissue. With the results of the examination I can make a plan for your recovery.

If you are suffering from bleeding gums, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.