What Are Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can develop slowly, and its symptoms reveal themselves subtly at first. However, by paying attention to changes in your gums, you can catch the advance or the disease early and prevent the serious complications that can result when gum disease is left untreated.
Recognizing the signs of gum disease early on is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for.
Gumline Bleeding or Swelling
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Healthy gums should not bleed easily, so if you notice your gums bleeding after brushing or flossing, this could indicate that your gums are inflamed. While mild bleeding may not seem alarming, it’s a clear signal that your gums need attention. Swollen gums may feel soft or puffy and might be more sensitive to touch or pressure. Such swelling can go unnoticed if you are not regularly checking your gums.
Receding or Shifting Gums
As gum disease progresses, it can cause the gum tissue to recede or shrink away from the teeth, causing more of the teeth’s surface to become exposed, including the roots. Gumline recession can make your teeth appear longer than they once did and is a sign that the tissues that support your teeth are being damaged. In some cases, this can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
Pain or discomfort while chewing can also be a symptom of gum disease, as your gums become more inflamed and sensitive. This can make chewing difficult or painful, especially when biting into certain foods. Discomfort may be localized to a specific tooth or area of the mouth, or it may affect a larger region of the gums. If you experience pain while chewing, it’s important to have your teeth and gums examined immediately.
Bad Breath and Bacteria Buildup
Bad breath, or halitosis, is another common sign of gum disease. As bacteria build up on the gums and teeth, they release toxins that can create foul-smelling breath. If your breath continues to smell bad even after brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, it could indicate that the bacteria in your mouth are not being effectively removed.
In severe cases of gum disease, an infection may cause pus to form in the pockets between the gums and teeth. Pus is a thick, yellowish fluid that is produced when the body is fighting infection. If you notice pus in the spaces between your teeth and gums, it’s a sign that your body is attempting to deal with a bacterial infection. Pus can also cause the gums to feel painful or tender to the touch. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate dental attention to prevent further damage to your oral health.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a dentist promptly. Early treatment can help reverse the damage and restore your gums to health, preventing tooth loss and more serious complications down the line.