Are your gums healthy, or are they showing early signs of gum disease? Look for these five signs and learn how to treat gum disease.

How healthy are your gums? If you don't know the answer to this question, you might have a nasty surprise in store.

Gum disease affects millions of individuals. In fact, according to the CDC, over 40% of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. And, if left untreated, it can lead to costly and painful dental disorders.

The good news is that if you catch the problem early, there will still be plenty of time to take action. Keep reading for five early signs of gum disease, so you know what to watch out for. Then, give your own mouth a thorough inspection.

1. Bad Breath

While it isn't always a cause for alarm, persistent bad breath can be one of the early signs of gum disease.

So, how are the two linked? Excessive bacteria on your teeth, gums, and tongue is the primary cause of bad breath. And, poor oral health due to an excess of bacteria can directly contribute to tooth decay.

Simply put, if your breath stinks, your teeth and gums might be at risk. But, a dental consultation can help get to the bottom of whatever the cause might be. In the meantime, try brushing your teeth gently after each meal and flossing daily to reduce the buildup of bacteria in your mouth.

2. Sensitive Teeth

When it comes to the early signs and symptoms of gum disease, this isn't the most obvious one to watch out for. But, it may be the most noticeable!

Have you recently noticed discomfort or sensitivity when you have hot or cold drinks? Also known as dentin hypersensitivity, this condition can be caused by exposed teeth roots and thin tooth enamel.

In some cases, receding or pocketing gums can also lead to unusually sensitive teeth. Your gums cover the roots of your teeth, which have no enamel to protect or insulate them. When the gum pulls back and leaves a root exposed, it can cause pain and discomfort.

If your tooth sensitivity is new or has become progressively worse, it's time to visit the dentist. Even if gum disease isn't the cause of your pain, something serious might be going on.

3. Receding Gums

If you came to this article wondering, what are early signs of gum disease, this is one of the most visible.

Look closely at your teeth. Do they seem longer than they used to be? This can be an obvious indication of gum recession.

And, with recession can come gum disease. As the tissue retreats, it leaves behind a deep pocket where food and other debris are easily trapped. This allows bacteria to grow, degrading the health of the gums further.

Surprisingly, receding gums can be caused by simple acts like brushing too hard or using the wrong type of toothbrush. If you see early signs of the condition, visit a dentist before the damage becomes irreversible.

4. Gum Irritation

Are your gums swollen, sore, or bleeding? These are all potential signs of gum disease. Gum sensitivity and irritation are often caused by plaque buildup, the main culprit responsible for gingivitis and periodontal disease.

If you've recently started brushing or flossing and noticed that it irritates your gums or makes them bleed, don't reduce your efforts. While it may be uncomfortable to perform at first, this healthy routine can actually help to gum disease at bay. Over time, as plaque buildup and bacterial growth are reduced, your gums will not show these distressing symptoms as regularly.

Are you a smoker? Because cigarette smoke restricts the flow of blood in your gums, it can mask some of the above-mentioned symptoms. This can leave the disease to progress, limiting your options for treatment.

It's also worth mentioning that smokers are diagnosed with gum disease twice as often as non-smokers.

Quitting is good for your health, dental and otherwise. And, it can help reduce the unsightly symptoms of smoker's mouth.

5. Separating or Loose Teeth, and Bite Changes

As gum disease progresses, it can begin to impact the bone in your jaw. Ultimately, this might lead to shifting or separating teeth, loose teeth, or changes in the alignment of your teeth - often referred to as "bite."

If you've noticed your teeth moving or changing their positions, don't wait to see your dentist. Restorative dentistry might be necessary to save damaged gums and roots.

These treatments might include deep cleaning or scaling and root planing - the scraping away of hardened plaque and tartar. More advanced cases could require surgery to graft gums, repair pockets or even patch bone that has fallen victim to periodontal disease.

Can You Reverse Early Signs of Gum Disease?

In most cases, the answer is yes. But, only if you act quickly! Gum disease can progress rapidly if left untreated and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Failure to treat gum disease can also wreak havoc on your health. In fact, poor oral health has been linked to a wide variety of medical disorders, including heart and kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and osteoporosis.

So, if you're not sure about the health of your gums, why take a chance? There's way more on the line than bad breath or an unsightly smile.

Know the Early Signs of Gum Disease

Now that you're familiar with five early signs of gum disease, it's time to give yourself a thorough home exam. Now, say aaaaaah!

Has it been a while since your last trip to the dentist? Checking your own mouth for signs of gum disease should be a regular part of home dental care. But, it's also essential to visit a professional for regular cleaning and preventative maintenance.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment. And, while you're here, take a few minutes to read our outstanding reviews and learn about the services we provide.

< Older Post Newer Post >