At Metro Dental Health in Fairfax, Va., we want you to understand the signs of gum disease so that you can seek help as soon as possible to avoid losing any teeth. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes for loss of one or more teeth, and it can lead to severe infections that can spread to the roots of the teeth along with the bones in the face. By understanding the earliest symptoms of gum disease, you can have the appropriate treatment to prevent additional health problems, such as sinus infection, heart problems, and premature childbirth.
Gum Disease Sign 1: Chronic Halitosis
If you suffer from chronic bad breath, then you may have gum disease. The bacteria that lead to gingivitis can collect in the pockets around your teeth, leading to a foul breath odor that won’t go away. When you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily, you shouldn’t have chronic halitosis.
Gum Disease Sign 2: Receding Gums
When you notice that your gums are receding near one or more teeth, this is a sign that indicates that you have gingivitis. The gum tissue that surrounds a tooth protects its roots from food particles and bacteria. However, when the gum tissue recedes, the roots are exposed, leading to increasing risk of decay on the roots, and tooth loss.
Gum Disease Sign 3: Painful Toothaches
A painful toothache can be caused by gum disease, so you should visit a dentist to overcome this problem rather than using store-bought pain relievers to reduce the discomfort. A dentist at Metro Dental Health can help you with a toothache, but she will also check your oral cavity for other problems, including gingivitis.
Gum Disease Sign 4: Bleeding Gums
Your gums should not bleed when you are flossing, unless you have used inappropriate techniques while flossing. You shouldn’t have frequent bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating. If your gums are bleeding, then this is a sign that the tissues inside your mouth are inflamed, so you must contact a dentist right away.
Gum Disease Sign 5: Tender Gums
If it hurts to floss or brush your teeth, then you might have gingivitis. Gum tenderness is one of the first signs of having underlying inflammation in the sensitive tissues of your mouth. You may also have pain in your gums while you are drinking hot or cold beverages. When you have tenderness in your gums, it makes it difficult to consume a nutritious diet.
Gum Disease Sign 6: Loose Teeth
It isn’t normal for an older adult to have loose teeth unless he has experienced an injury to the mouth. When you have a loose tooth, this is a sign of having serious gingivitis that has damaged the supporting tissues of the roots of the tooth and the alveolar bones.
Gum Disease Sign 7: Red Gums
When you have bright red gums, this indicates that the tissues are infected with bacteria. If you notice that your gums are discolored, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaklin Bezik at Metro Dental Health because she specializes in the periodontal care of the gums and teeth.
