Stay Ahead of Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but often overlooked condition that can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. It begins as an inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, and can progress to more severe stages if not addressed. The good news? Gum disease is preventable and even reversible in its early stages, which is why recognizing the early signs is so important.

6 key early warning signs of gum disease.

By staying aware of the red flags, you can protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. Catching gum disease early means simpler, less invasive treatment options, helping you avoid more complex procedures down the road.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the six key warning signs of gum disease so you can stay proactive about your oral health!

• Red or Swollen Gums

The first and most noticeable sign of gum disease is red or swollen gums. Healthy gums should be a pale pink color and fit snugly around your teeth. If you notice redness, swelling, or tenderness when you touch your gums, this could indicate the beginning stages of gum inflammation. Red and swollen gums are often the body’s response to plaque buildup along the gumline. This plaque contains bacteria that irritate and inflame the gum tissue.

By staying aware of the red flags, you can protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. Catching gum disease early means simpler, less invasive treatment options, helping you avoid more complex procedures down the road.

• Bleeding Gums

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? While many people might shrug off a bit of bleeding as nothing serious, it’s actually one of the most common signs of gum disease. Bleeding gums occur when plaque buildup leads to irritation, causing the gum tissue to become fragile and inflamed. The more this plaque builds up, the more irritated your gums can become, leading to bleeding with even gentle brushing.

• Persistent Bad Breath

We’ve all experienced bad breath after eating something particularly pungent, but if your bad breath won’t go away, it could be more than just what you ate. Persistent bad breath is a telltale sign of gum disease, especially if it’s accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth. This occurs because the bacteria that cause gum disease produce toxins and sulfur compounds that lead to unpleasant odors.

• Receding Gums

Receding gums can be harder to spot, but if you’re noticing that your teeth are starting to look longer, this might be due to your gums pulling away from your teeth. Gum recession occurs when the underlying bone supporting the teeth is being destroyed, causing the gum tissue to pull back and expose more of the tooth or even its root.

Not only does this make your teeth more sensitive, but it’s also a sign that periodontal disease is advancing. Receding gums can lead to pockets forming between the gums and teeth, allowing bacteria to collect and cause more damage.

• Loose Teeth

Your teeth should never feel loose. If they do, it’s a major sign your gum disease has advanced. As the bone and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place start to weaken and break down due to bacterial infection, your teeth can start to feel wobbly. This can be especially concerning if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, like receding gums or pain while chewing.

• Painful Chewing

Chewing should never be a painful experience. If you’re experiencing discomfort while eating, this could be a sign that your gum disease has progressed. Pain while chewing may indicate that the tissue supporting your teeth has been compromised by the bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease. This can make everyday activities, like eating or talking, uncomfortable or even unbearable.

Keep gum disease at bay with the experts at Metro East Dental Care.

Spotting these early warning signs of gum disease is crucial for maintaining not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. Red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and painful chewing are all signals that it’s time to act. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to the progression of periodontitis, which may require more intensive treatments to reverse the damage.

At Metro East Dental Care, our team is dedicated to helping you keep your gums and teeth in the best shape possible. We offer a wide range of treatments, including periodontal therapy, to address all stages of gum disease. If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Granite City dental office to schedule your appointment!