Gum Disease Warning Signs

Gum disease does not get much attention, but it is widespread. According to studies, up to 75 percent of Americans above the age of 35 are dealing with this condition. Sadly, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can have negative impacts on a person’s health.

Gum disease has been connected to a series of health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and premature birth, which makes it necessary to watch out for its warning signs. This article focuses on the warning signs that indicate the presence of the condition.

Gum disease typically occurs in stages; the early stages are reversible, and the final stages pose a severe threat to your health. Visiting the dentist regularly is essential for monitoring the gums' situation, but knowing what signs to watch for enables you to make important decisions before the condition worsens. Although some of these signs may not be a red flag, you still need to pay attention to them.

Warning signs of gum diseases

Bleeding gums

It is abnormal for your gums to bleed when brushing, flossing or consuming hard foods. This means that if you discover blood in your gums during or after flossing, it could be the result of gingivitis—bacteria accumulation along the gum line. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontitis and should not be treated lightly. Ensure you book an appointment with the dentist as soon as you notice this sign.

Tender or inflamed gums

If you discover your gums are painful, swollen or inflamed, you should consider it a serious warning sign. Gum inflammation is a result of your gums' attempt at evicting harmful bacteria responsible for the infection. The swelling and tenderness can cause severe damage to the gums and jawbone, and if untreated, could lead to teeth loss.

Receding gums

If you realize that your teeth are larger when you smile, it could mean that the gums are receding from the teeth base. This is caused by a bacterial infection that damages the gum tissues and could be a serious tell for gum disease.

Persistent bad breath

Halitosis or bad breath is another indicator of gum disease. The odor-causing bacteria in the teeth can replicate in the folds in unhealthy gums. This means if you notice a persistent bad taste in your mouth or catch an unpleasant odor in your breath, a visit to the dentist may be necessary for evaluation.

Tooth sensitivity

Although there are many factors responsible for teeth sensitivity, it could also be a warning sign of gum disease. The severely inflamed gum tissues can leave the root of the tooth exposed, making it sensitive to external stimuli. The root exposure needs to be treated immediately before further infections set in.

In conclusion

If you discover one or more of the symptoms highlighted above, you need to book an appointment with a qualified dentist as soon as you can. The dentist will analyze the situation and check for the presence of gum diseases or any other dental health conditions. Afterward, the treatment procedure to correct or reverse the condition will commence immediately.

Request an appointment in our Palm Desert office here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com.

Recent Posts

3 Types Of Treatment For Gum Disease

Gum disease starts with the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When brushing or flossing does not remove this bacteria, harmful plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. The collection of tartar along the gum line results in gingivitis, which can worsen into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this disease can be mild in the early stages,…

A Routine Dental Checkup To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease affects many people from all walks of life. The first sign of this condition is bleeding gums. There is bleeding because your body is sending more blood to your gums to fight the infection. In this case, plaque formation remains even if you floss or brush. Tartar may already be forming in some…

Gum Disease: A Deeper Look At Gingivitis

Gum disease at any stage can be extremely dangerous to one's oral health. Long-term, it can even put the entire body's health at risk for developing other conditions. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and it usually means that the infection has just developed along the gumlines. Ready to learn more?Outlined below…

Preventing Gum Disease In 4 Simple Steps

According to a study from the CDC, about half of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease. It is a condition that can lead to a variety of oral problems like bad breath, bleeding and swelling. The advanced stage of gum disease, called periodontitis, has also been linked to health issues…


Recent Posts

How Composite Bonding Can Repair A Cracked Tooth

How Composite Bonding Can Repair A Cracked Tooth

Composite bonding is one of the most commonly recommended treatment solutions for a cracked tooth. Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. It is a non-invasive and affordable way to restore the health, function, and appearance of the tooth.This review discusses how composite bonding is used to repair a cracked tooth, including…

Denture Care: How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?

Denture Care: How Often Should You Clean Your Dentures?

If you are new to the denture world, you may be curious about denture care and how often you should be cleaning your new teeth. Having dentures is just like having your natural teeth. This is one thing that many people fail to recognize. It is also the biggest reason some people’s dentures do not…