Spirit Dental Resources

Sometimes, it’s that combo of sour and sweet that we all crave. And what better place to get it than some yummy sour candy? Unfortunately, though, while you might delight in this treat, it could be wreaking havoc on your teeth. That’s right: in terms of what foods are good for your teeth and which ones aren’t, sour candy falls into the “bad for your pearly whites” category. But why are these candies so damaging? We’ve got you covered with the answer below. Your Enamel Hates Sour Candy’s Acidity Enamel. It’s so important to take great care of it because it’s the tough outer layer of your chompers. With enamel intact, your teeth may be less prone to decay, and they might also be less prone to sensitivity. Plus, your enamel can help keep your teeth looking white and bright. Put simply, if your enamel is strong, your teeth will also be strong. The harsh truth, however, is that a lot of foods and beverages that you enjoy every day (like those sour candies you don’t think twice about when you need a little pick-me-up) contain acids that could attack your precious enamel, causing it to become softer and thinner than it should be. Over time, your teeth might start to feel more sensitive to hot and cold, they might start to look yellow, and they might develop cavities. You may even find yourself considering getting veneers to restore the look of your teeth! Fun fact - Want to know the pH of sour candy, to really put things in perspective? Well, it depends on the specific candy, of course, but it generally ranges from around 1.6 to 3 (that’s on a scale of 1 being the most acidic, to 7 being neutral). And here’s another interesting tidbit: a pH of 4 would damage your enamel, so you can see just how bad those sour candies really are! Candy Is Bad Enough, but Sour Candies Could Really Do Damage Okay, so you already know that candy is bad for your teeth, right? In fact, all types of candy, including hard, sticky, and sour, are considered some of the worst for your pearly whites. This is a real bummer if you consider yourself a candy lover, but it’s important to know the facts so that you can protect your teeth. Here’s why eating too much candy is a big no-no when it comes to maintaining oral health: Candy contains a lot of sugar. Harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar, resulting in damaging acid that attacks the enamel of your teeth. And, again, when the enamel is compromised, it increases your risk of decay, sensitivity, and stains. Not good. Sour candy has more acid. These candies might contain acids like malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid. All of that acid ends up eating away at your enamel, so the more sour candy you eat, the worse the effects might be. Sticky candies will remain on your teeth longer. When you chew on sticky candy, whether it’s sour or sweet, it could end up staying on your chompers for a longer stretch of time. A recipe for dental damage, for sure! Scary fact - Once your enamel is gone, there’s no way for your body to regrow it. So the best thing that you can do is take steps to prevent losing your enamel in the first place. Smart Ways to Help Limit the Damage Can’t give up sour candy? No worries! There are some easy ways to help reduce the damage to your enamel. Rinse your mouth with water after having sour candies. Choosing the right candy flavors might be beneficial, as certain sour flavors might be harsher on enamel than others. If cherry, grape, and lemon are your favorites, it may be better to switch to flavors like mint and cinnamon, as they might contain less acid. Even though you might assume that brushing your teeth would be a good way to protect them from the sour candy you just ate, you actually shouldn’t do it right away because your enamel will be compromised. Just wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing. See your dentist on a regular basis to check for early signs of decay, to learn about how to protect your enamel, and to get cleanings or whitening treatments to restore the brightness of your teeth. Think Twice Before Having Those Sour Candies! A piece of sour candy every now and then should be fine—everything in moderation, after all. But now that you know about the harmful effects that this treat can have on your teeth, you can make smarter choices that could protect your pearly whites for the long run. Sources: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/enamel/tooth-enamel-loss-erosion-repair https://www.rd.com/ https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/worst-foods-for-your-teeth#1 https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2017-10-27/this-is-your-body-on-candy https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/what-are-the-effects-of-sugar-on-teeth https://www.livestrong.com/article/237183-what-kinds-of-acids-does-sour-candy-have/ https://gizmodo.com/sour-candy-is-almost-as-bad-for-your-teeth-as-battery-a-5860593 https://www.tulsadentalcare.com/blog/could-sour-candy-cause-your-enamel-erosion https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/can-tooth-enamel-grow-back#1

The fancy name for teeth grinding and clenching is bruxism. When you’re feeling particularly stressed or frazzled, you might find yourself tightening your jaw and clenching your teeth, and this might not cause any damage at first. However, if you are one of the many people who grind regularly, such as in your sleep when you aren’t even aware that it’s happening, you might end up with scary problems like loose, worn, or fractured teeth, along with jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ). Since this is something that may occur during sleep, how do you know if you’re a teeth grinder? Well, being aware of grinding teeth symptoms is your first step, so we cover a few of the main signs of teeth grinding below. But, in addition to being more informed about the symptoms, seeing your dentist regularly is also helpful, as he or she can examine your mouth for early signs that you’re grinding or clenching your teeth too much. Grinding Teeth Symptoms That Occur in the Mouth Unfortunately, teeth grinding can cause some major problems within the mouth. You might notice that your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, or you might even feel pain in your chompers. The enamel of your teeth might end up getting worn down, and this can cause the inner layers of the teeth to become exposed. Not a good thing! The development of stress fractures, as well as what is referred to as craze lines (these are hairline cracks that occur vertically in the teeth), may indicate that you’re clenching or grinding.   Over time, because of excessive grinding, you might end up looking in the mirror and noticing that your pearly whites look flattened, or they might be chipped. As the damage continues, you might even end up losing your teeth as a result of the grinding! On top of hurting your natural teeth, grinding may also cause damage to dental work, such as fillings. If you are unconsciously grabbing the inside of your cheeks with your teeth while you’re sleeping, and you’re clenching or grinding, you might start to notice damage in the cheek, too.   Interesting fact: Although you may not even be aware that you’re grinding your teeth at night, your partner might be able to hear it and tell you about it. Whoa! Grinding Teeth Symptoms That Go Beyond Your Mouth As if the damage to your mouth wasn’t bad enough, when you grind or clench your teeth excessively, symptoms outside of the mouth might arise as well. First off, you might notice that you have a headache that can be described as dull. You might feel it when you wake up, and it might start in your temples. Your jaw might feel tender, stiff, or sore. This might be the case especially when you wake up in the morning because you’ve been holding so much tension in the jaw throughout the night. On top of that, you may notice that the muscles of your jaw feel tight. The muscles might even feel tired, or your jaw might make a clicking or popping sound when you open and close it. Plus, the muscles may become so tight that the jaw becomes locked, making it difficult to open and close it comfortably and completely. Simple things like chewing, talking, and even swallowing, could become painful. Over time, the jaw might become misaligned, creating even more problems that would require professional treatment. Bruxism problems extend beyond the jaw, too. A feeling of soreness, or outright pain, might occur in the face and/or neck. And, you might even begin to feel as though you have pain in your ears. Some people end up mistaking this pain for an earache even though nothing is wrong with the ear itself. Finally, if you’re noticing that you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep anymore and you can’t quite figure out why, it might have something to do with teeth grinding or clenching. Have Symptoms? Your Dentist Can Help You Get Relief! The bad news is that, without treatment, your teeth grinding symptoms could worsen and start to cause serious damage. The good news, however, is that your dentist can help you get relief. For example, he or she might recommend a mouthguard that you can wear at night to protect your pearly whites. And your dentist can also help resolve any existing dental problems, such as tooth fractures or damaged fillings.    The sooner you get treatment for teeth grinding, the better, and having dental insurance can help ensure you won’t ever have to skip an appointment. Then, once you’re no longer grinding your chompers, you’ll likely notice that symptoms like headaches and pain in the face subside. So, if you think you might be grinding your teeth, or if you already know that this is a problem for you, it’s wise to check in with your dentist for some expert guidance.    Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/ https://www.proteethguard.com/teeth-grinding-damage/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism

Retainers are great because they help you retain your beautiful new smile after you’ve used braces. However, they can get pretty funky from sitting in your mouth for extended periods of time, so keeping them clean is imperative.What are some of the easiest ways to ensure your retainer will always be as clean as possible? We’ve compiled a list of tips below to help you get started, but if you have any questions about the very best methods for keeping these dental products bacteria-free, consulting with your dentist or orthodontist is recommended.First Off, What Type Are You Using?To effectively keep your retainer free of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, you need to clean it based on the type of retainer that you’ve been given.Hawley: This removable retainer, which is molded especially for your unique mouth, is used after your pearly whites have been straightened with the help of orthodontics. Made of metal and plastic, you do need to be careful with it, as it could be damaged by impact or heat.To wash it daily, don’t rinse it using hot water. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, making sure to be gentle as you work on removing food particles. Regular toothpaste isn’t recommended, as it’s too abrasive, so just use the brushing action and lukewarm water.Beyond that, you can soak it on a regular basis in a denture cleaner. And, after you disinfect it, you should store it in a case to protect it until you need to wear it again.Essix: This retainer, or clear aligner, is constructed of plastic that’s transparent, so it won’t be as obvious in your mouth while it covers your chompers. Like a Hawley, an Essix is removable, it’s molded so that it’ll perfectly fit your mouth, and it might be necessary after you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment so that you can maintain your straight smile.Only need to wear your Essix during the night? Then simply rinse it thoroughly with some cold water prior to putting it into your mouth. Then, when you take it out the next morning, just rinse it the same way again.However, if you do wear it while you eat, you should gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water after every meal (don’t use toothpaste, and don’t use hot water). That’ll help ensure it doesn’t sit in your mouth with food particles stuck to it, which would be yucky. And, on a regular basis, you can even use a special cleanser to deeply disinfect this retainer.Side note: Whether you have a Hawley or Essix, washing it right after you take it out of your mouth can be easier because it will still be wet from your saliva, so the debris won’t have a chance to harden. When brushing these retainers, you can also get a deeper clean by mixing together some mild dish soap and lukewarm water.   Fixed: Also known as a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer will sit permanently in your mouth, so it won’t be removable. It’s typically used when the risk is high that your teeth will end up shifting, and it might need to be in your mouth for years.To keep it hygienic, daily flossing will be necessary. You can get a floss threader to make the process easier, and it’s a great idea to ask your orthodontist for expert advice on how to do it right. It might take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of things, you’ll be able to keep this retainer super clean.Some Other Things to RememberRetainers don’t like heat, so don’t expose yours to boiling water, a dishwasher, or a microwave, as a few examples. Sure, you can cleanse and disinfect other common items with heat and hot water, but your retainer isn’t one of them. Lukewarm water is best.Soak your retainer in some mouthwash to help remove bacteria and freshen it up. Mix equal parts lukewarm water with alcohol-free mouthwash for a quick soak that lasts a few minutes.A basic brushing routine might be all that you need to keep your retainer nice and clean. So if you want to avoid the use of chemical based solutions, you certainly might be able to. Just be diligent when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as rinsing and brushing your retainer daily. However, if you’ve been sick, such as with strep throat, you might want to use a special cleaner to kill the bacteria so you could help reduce the odds of reinfecting yourselfUse warm water and soap to wash your retainer’s case and remove any bacteria that might be lingering there as well. Dry thoroughly before using it again.Note: If you start noticing things like cloudiness, white spots, or a film on your retainer, or if it has a nasty taste or smell, these are signs that you need to perform a more intense cleaning.   Fresh Mouth, Spotless Retainer, and Straight Teeth!Your retainer will help you achieve the perfect smile that you want, so take good care of it! Wash it every time you brush your teeth, and give it a deeper cleaning regularly, such as weekly.For additional guidance, have a chat with your orthodontist about how to keep your retainer spotless. You can even ask about natural solutions, such as baking soda and white vinegar, that would be appropriate for your type of retainer. Also, if there’s debris on it that you can’t seem to remove on your own, it’s time to take it to your orthodontist, who has special solutions on hand.With the right technique, tools, and routine, you can rest assured that your retainer will always be sanitary and won’t contribute to the development of oral health problems like cavities or gum disease. And with the right orthodontic dental insurance, your orthodontics treatments won’t break the bank, so be sure to check out some of the Spirit plans that are available today!Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/how-to-clean-retainershttps://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-clean-retainers#general-retainer-carehttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317894https://www.caortho.org/blog/retainer-cleanhttps://askthedentist.com/clean-retainer-without-harsh-chemicals/ 

These days, there are a lot of dental products and procedures available to make your smile the best that it could possibly be. One popular example is dental veneers. Put simply, when you get veneers, porcelain in the color of your teeth is applied permanently to the front of your pearly whites, giving them a perfect appearance. Want to instantly and easily whiten your teeth? Do you have enamel that’s been damaged over the years, or perhaps some cosmetic imperfections, and you want to restore the exterior of your teeth? Veneers might be the ideal solution that you’ve been hoping for! But, before you dive in and tell your dentist that you want to undergo this procedure, read on to learn about a few things that you should consider first. 1. Veneers Are Permanent, So Choose Your Dentist Wisely In order to put veneers onto your teeth, your dentist will need to remove some of the outer enamel first. Then, once in place, the veneers will be permanent, and there’s no way to undo what has been done. Therefore, it’s wise to take your time when searching for a dental pro who will do this for you. You want to be absolutely sure the dentist you choose has loads of experience, along with plenty of evidence in the form of photos of other patients, to prove his or her expertise. Ask the dentist about all of the materials that he or she plans on using, as well as how long you should anticipate the veneers will last once they’re set in place. And be upfront about any issues that you’ve been experiencing, such as clenching, grinding, or sensitivity. A reputable dentist will want to ensure you’re the right candidate for veneers, and part of that involves checking your overall oral health, including whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease that needs to be addressed. If you have gum disease, cavities, large fillings, or fractured teeth, or if you don’t have enough enamel or you clench and grind your teeth, you likely won’t be the right candidate for veneers. Although there are solutions to some of those problems, be wary of a dentist who tells you that you can just go ahead and get veneers without resolving those concerns first. 2. They Will Eventually Need to Be Replaced Over time, your veneers will experience some wear and tear, so your dentist will have to either repair or replace them. Therefore, this is another cost that should be considered. More expensive porcelain veneers might last upwards of 15 years. That’s pretty sweet, right? On the other hand, if you go the more affordable route and opt for composite, you might only get up to seven years out of them. 3. Be Prepared to Get a Big Bill The cost of your veneers will depend upon a few factors, such as the location of the dentist that you’re using, how many teeth will be worked on, and which dental professional you select. No matter what, though, you should expect the bill to be rather high, typically ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with composite being a more affordable option than porcelain. Talk about sticker shock! Tip: It’s a good idea to ask, in advance, if there might be any additional costs that would be applied before or after the procedure is done. 4. Your Teeth and Gums Might Be Sensitive After the Procedure Be aware that there is a risk of increased sensitivity after veneers are put in place. Your chompers might look great right away, but it might take some time before they aren’t sensitive to cold or hot foods and drinks. Also, your gums might be sore as they adjust as well. 5. They’re as Easy to Clean as Your Actual Teeth A viable alternative to crowns and bonding, once the veneers are set, all you have to do is take care of your teeth and gums like you always have, by brushing, flossing, and making regular trips to the dentist. Yes, even with veneers, your teeth can decay if not cared for properly. Veneers: A Great Option for Improving the Look of Your Smile! Overall, veneers are a fabulous choice for a lot of people who want to beautify and brighten their smile, especially since the porcelain is stain resistant. So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to see if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, consult with a dental professional to get the answers you need.   Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/veneer-procedure/ https://www.jonfrankeldentistry.com/blog/be-sure-to-ask-these-questions-before-getting-veneers/ https://www.billdorfmandds.com/blog/3-questions-to-ask-before-getting-dental-veneers/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/how-long-do-veneers-last https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a13051650/what-are-veneers/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1

You’ve seen the various ads warning you about the adverse health effects of smoking—some of them are pretty disturbing, aren’t they? And you likely already know that smoking can do damage to your teeth and gums. But what, exactly, are smokers teeth, anyway? What will smoking do to your pearly whites and your gums if you don’t quit the addiction?Smoking Takes a Major Toll on Your GumsSmoking doesn’t only give you bad breath. In fact, bad breath is a small side effect compared to the serious effects of this unhealthy habit.First off, when you smoke, your immune system is weakened. How does this affect your mouth, specifically? Well, it becomes more challenging for your body to fight infections in your gums. Your gums become increasingly more damaged every time you smoke, and they become less and less capable of healing as well.What are some of the symptoms of gum disease? They include pain when you chew, as well as gums that are red, tender, swollen, or bleeding. You might notice that your gums are beginning to pull away from your teeth, too. And teeth typically become sensitive or loose as gum disease progresses. Yikes!Your risk of developing gum disease only increases the more you smoke. In fact, your risk for this oral health problem doubles when you smoke. And, if you do develop it, the usual treatments that would work for other patients might not be as effective on you because of your smoking addiction. So, the sooner you quit, the better it’ll be for your gum health.Side note: No, e-cigarettes aren’t any better arguably!Your Teeth Suffer, Too!Smoking stains teeth—hence, the term, “smokers teeth.” So, if you smoke, you might find yourself splurging on over-the-counter whitening treatments or asking your dentist for a professional whitening session. Basically, your chompers can become pretty unsightly, with yellow stains that may develop more quickly than you might expect. And the more you smoke, the darker the stains. Over time, your white teeth will turn into an unattractive shade of dark yellow or brown. Yuck!As if the stains weren’t bad enough, smoking does even more to further damage your teeth: it can boost the risk of tooth decay through a rise in the buildup of plaque and tartar. And when your dentist fills your teeth, the smoking will continue to discolor your once pearly whites, as well as the fillings themselves, so even restorative treatments might leave you disappointed with the results.Speaking of fillings—composite fillings, in particular—smoking won’t only stain them; it will also cause them to wear out before they should. So if you want your composite fillings to continue looking good, and you want them to last as long as possible, quitting smoking is the way to go.Remember when we mentioned above that smoking reduces the strength of your immune system? This also means that, if you have to undergo oral surgery or a dental procedure like a tooth extraction, your mouth will take longer to heal. And if you need to get a dental implant to replace a lost or damaged tooth, the success rate might also be lower for you if you’re a smoker.This Is Super Serious: Smoking Increases Your Risk of Oral Cancer!When you smoke, you aren’t just doing harm to your teeth and gums; you’re also harming your entire mouth, increasing your risk of oral cancer. If that isn’t frightening, we don’t know what is.To put things in perspective, and to illustrate the severity of a smoking addiction: the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, tongue, throat, and lips is six times higher compared to people who don’t smoke. Wow! It’s clear that the effects of smoking extend far beyond stained teeth and swollen gums.Need Extra Advice? Have a Chat with Your Dentist!If you’re a smoker, your dentist can point out the damage that your habit is doing to your mouth. Beyond that, however, you can also ask your dentist for advice on how to quit. Perhaps talking to a dental pro and learning about the risks to your teeth and gums will give you the motivation that you need to take your first step towards quitting this addiction for good.Although you might immediately think of “smokers teeth” as the negative effect on the appearance of your chompers, smoking does much more damage than you might realize at first. From being one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults, to contributing to the risk of mouth cancer, there’s no denying that smoking is a nasty habit that’s worth quitting.  Sources:https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.htmlhttps://www.dentalhealth.org/smoking-and-oral-healthhttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/effects-of-smoking-on-teethhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health#1

Updated Nov. 2021 You hear about gum disease a lot. Commercials on TV talk about it, your dentist probably mentioned it at some point during your past checkups, and you might know someone who has this condition.  But what is gum disease, exactly? What are the symptoms of this oral health problem, and are there any treatments available to tackle it? The answers to all of these questions can be found below. A Few Things You Should Know About Gum Disease Gum disease starts as gingivitis. So, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of gingivitis (e.g. red, swollen, bleeding gums), it’s best to tackle the problem with the help of your dentist so it won’t advance to gum disease.  Gum disease can impact the structures that support your teeth. As the condition worsens, you may notice that your gums start to separate from the teeth, and this puts you at risk of losing your pearly whites. Yikes!    Another awful effect of gum disease: bad breath. If you’re noticing that you can’t get rid of your bad breath no matter what you do, gum disease might be the culprit.  But what’s also scary is that, in addition to affecting your mouth, gum disease might even have an impact on other aspects of your health. This is a condition that’s associated with damaging inflammation, and there might be a link between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, if you’re pregnant, gum disease might increase the risk of having a baby prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.  For all of these reasons, keeping track of the health of your gums, and getting advice from a dentist on how to keep your whole mouth healthy, is ultra-important. The Usual Symptoms of Gum Disease Now that you know a bit more about gum disease and its effects on oral health, you might be wondering what symptoms would alert you that something is wrong. Well, the first thing you should keep in mind is that, sometimes, there might not be symptoms that make it easy to spot this problem.  As mentioned above, the earliest stage of gum disease is the development of gingivitis. This is when the gums become inflamed, so you might notice that they’re tender and bleed easily. Caused by bacteria in plaque, this is a problem that can be reversed more easily than gum disease. Your dentist may give you a professional cleaning, and you can work on keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible by brushing and flossing daily at home.  If you notice the following symptoms, it’s best to talk to your dentist to figure out what’s wrong, as you might have gum disease: Your gums are swollen, sensitive, and red. There is bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss. Your gums are starting to recede or you’re noticing deep pockets between the teeth and gums.  You have bad breath that won’t go away, or there is a bad taste in your mouth.  Your teeth are sensitive, or you’re experiencing pain when you chew.  Your teeth are shifting or loose. The Treatment Options to Fight Gum Disease Seeing your dentist for checkups can help you find out about problems like gum disease before they progress, especially if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.  If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist might recommend the following treatments to help prevent further damage and tooth loss: A professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline, so this might be the first step that your dentist recommends. For a deeper cleaning of the teeth and gums, you might need to undergo what’s known as scaling and root planing. This will clean the roots and smooth them to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. To work on removing bacteria and inflammation, your dentist might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. For example, an antibiotic gel might be placed under the gums to provide targeted treatment.  Depending on the severity of the gum disease, and the damage that’s been done, surgery might be necessary in some cases. Examples include bone grafts, tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and flap surgery.     Work with Your Dentist to Keep Your Gums in Tip-Top Shape! Ultimately, seeing your dentist on a consistent basis is important if you want to catch the earliest signs of gum problems. There’s only so much that you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, so it’s wise to visit the dentist for professional cleanings, checkups, and X-rays. And with the right dental insurance, you’ll have the support you need to pay for high-quality care if you’re ever diagnosed with gum disease. Sources: https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/symptoms/ https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/gum-disease/spot-the-7-signs-of-gum-disease https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/early-signs-of-gum-disease/