If you have been undergoing treatment for gum disease, you know that it can be tempting to wonder if it’s making any difference. Between the rigorous cleaning, the frequent trips to our office, and even (in some cases) surgery, there is definitely a great deal involved in treating gum disease.
So here are some things you can look for that may help boost your spirits. By identifying some signs that your gum disease treatment is helping, you can reassure yourself that you are making progress and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Improved Appearance of the Gum Tissue
One of the most obvious signs of change is when the appearance of the tissue begins to improve. Gum tissue that is diseased will have the appearance of being swollen, tender, and bleeding. In contrast, healthy gum tissue is pink, and it does not bleed from routine brushing and flossing. So, if you notice the redness going away, or if your gums no longer feel tender or bleed when you clean your teeth, that means the gum disease is regressing.
Improved Breath
One major symptom of gum disease is breath that is constantly foul, or even a funny taste in your mouth. This is because the bacteria that are involved in gum disease excrete byproducts that can cause the taste of your saliva or the odor of your breath to be unpleasant.
If you struggled with chronic halitosis, but notice that it is improving, that could be a sign that your gum disease is improving. We encourage you to continue doing what you are doing, and make sure you come see us regularly. And, as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you in your battle against gum disease.
