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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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