4 Signs you may have gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It occurs when there’s excessive plaque build-up on the teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-laden film that irritates gum tissue, resulting in inflamed, sensitive, and tender gums.

When not treated, gingivitis can progress, damage the tooth enamel, and cause tooth loss. But the good news is that it's reversible. You can restore the health of your gums.

So, how do you know if you have gingivitis? It helps to be aware of the common symptoms as mild gum disease doesn’t always come with pain or discomfort.

Here are some signs you may have gingivitis.

1. Swollen or bleeding gums. Bleeding gums isn’t normal, and neither is sore gums. Healthy gums won’t bleed if you floss or brush. Skipping flossing and brushing also won’t help. This can only cause plaque to further accumulate. The bacteria in plaque causes irritation, which makes the gum more sensitive. Keep flossing and brushing gently. If the bleeding persists after a week or two, consult with your dentist.

2. Receding gums. Do you feel that your teeth are becoming longer or that you’re starting to develop a gummy smile? This may be connected to gum disease. Teeth don’t grow long with aging. But the gums may recede due to loss of gum tissue, which makes the teeth look longer. Gums are designed to fit snugly around teeth. Receding gums cause pockets to form around the teeth, where bacteria can breed. The deeper the pockets, the harder it also is to clean them. Gum recession can be addressed with regular dental visits. By getting rid of the plaque and bacteria buildup on the teeth and gum pockets, the gum can become healthy again.

3. Increased sensitivity. Discomfort, when you eat or drink something hot or cold, can be due to tooth sensitivity. When the roots of the teeth become exposed due to thinning enamel, the teeth become more sensitive. If the sensitivity persists or worsens over time, let your dentist know. They can determine if it’s due to gum disease and recommend a treatment plan.

4. Persistent bad breath. Anyone can experience bad breath. But, usually, it can be addressed by eating, drinking water, taking mints, rinsing with mouthwash, or brushing teeth. If the unpleasant smell still lingers after, it can be a sign of an oral health issue. Poor oral hygiene habits lead to the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, and these bacteria that line the teeth and gums can emit foul-smelling gases. Through consultation with your dentist, you can find out if the odor is due to gum disease.

Plaque can be removed before it turns to tartar and causes gum disease. Gingivitis may be challenging to spot, but with regular dental checkups, you can detect its presence.

Assess gum health, see your dentist in Brandon, MB

Your gums keep your teeth in place. Keeping it healthy is keeping your smile in great shape. If you feel you might have gingivitis or are worried about the condition of your teeth, contact us at Princess Dental today. Our friendly receptionists are happy to help you book an appointment with one of our dentists.

It can be a little scary if you can't explain it. But in most cases, it may have something to do with your temporomandibular joint or TMJ.

TMJ is a hinge-like joint that connects the jawbone and the skull. It’s a complex system that allows you to open, close, and move your mouth from side to side.

If anything goes wrong with your TMJ, you can experience discomfort when moving your jaw.

Common TMD Symptoms

Here are some ways to tell if you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

● Clicking and popping sounds. The TMJ shouldn’t make any sound when activated. Clicking and popping may mean something’s not right. Not everyone with TMD experiences it, but be sure to let your dentist know right away if you do.

● Headaches. The pain can originate from behind the eyes and be dull or excruciating. You may mistake it for typical headaches. But if they're accompanied by other symptoms, they may be TMD-related.

● Pain while moving your jaw. If your jaw pain radiates to your temples, it may be due to teeth misalignment because the jaw works harder in this situation. The pressure makes regular jaw movements like yawning or chewing painful.

● Body pain. Inflammation in the TMJ can cause muscle tension throughout the body. Poor posture, which can be present due to TMJ issues, can also contribute to the pain.

● Chewing difficulties. Test if your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite. Chewing becomes harder if the jaw is misaligned. Muscles try to compensate but if the teeth aren’t meeting or closing properly, eating chewy or crunchy food might still be extra challenging.

● Sinus infections. TMD is linked to sinus problems as sinuses run through the jaw muscles. Sinus pain and infection make TMJ problems worse. Sinus allergies can cause you to sneeze often, which can lead to your TMJ popping. If your sinuses are blocked or swollen, breathing becomes harder, and you may find yourself breathing through the mouth. When you breathe with your mouth open, the jaw veers from its normal position and this can cause pressure to it.

● Other unusual symptoms. Usually, TMJ problems are connected to jaw misalignment. But even if you feel that the symptoms aren’t related to your TMJ, discuss them with your dentist. TMJ problems can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms vary widely.

Diagnosing TMD in Brandon, Manitoba

TMJ problems can impact your everyday routine. Keep them from worsening. Find out if the irregularities and discomfort you’re experiencing are related to the TMJ system.

Here at Princess Dental in Brandon, Manitoba, we perform therapy for TMD. We start with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, oral health, and medical history. Since causes vary, your treatment may be a combination of various methods.