We usually don’t think about oral health beyond our teeth, yet almost half of all adults suffer from gum disease at some point in their life. What most people do not realize is that if gum disease is left untreated, it can adversely impact oral health leading to gum infections, recession, and also tooth loss.
Your gums are an integral part of your oral and overall health, and you must pay attention to them as much as you pay to other parts of your body. Be on the watch for these five signs – if they apply to you, it’s time to seek professional help.
5 Most Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
1. Gum Bleeding
Bleeding gum is the most common sign of periodontal disease. While you should run to the dentist if you start to bleed anywhere else, many people brush off a bloodstained toothbrush. However, this warning signal means that your gums are on their way to periodontitis – a progressive stage of gum disease. The good news is it’s not too late, and the proper treatment can help you fix your oral health. If you see blood when you brush, don’t let it go neglected. Bring it up at your next dental appointment.
2. Redness & Swelling
Another early warning sign of gum disease could be in a remote area, or across the whole gum line. Red, swollen gums will get sensitive to touch and excessive temperatures, causing an ache when exposed to hot or cold foods. This rash comes from irritation caused by bacteria and tartar formation. Fortunately, a deep cleaning can put your health back on the correct path.
3. A Receding Gum Line
If you have receding gums it indicates that your infection has progressed to another level. As the gums get pulled back, they make the tooth look longer and leave an exposed tooth root. It leaves it open for bacteria to feed on tooth roots driving tooth decay which can lead to extraction. Treatment for this includes scaling and root planing and the usage of antibiotics. If the gums have greatly reduced, a gum graft can rebuild a healthy gum line.
4. Loose Teeth
Bacterial infections can form small pockets underneath the gum line, which forces the gum tissue to detach from the tooth root. If tooth decay sets in, you may encounter sensitivity, pain, and slight motion. It can be an intensely dangerous situation for your and may result in tooth extraction. The treatment for this is pocket removal, a procedure that brings the gum tissue back into contact with the tooth root. Antibiotics will also be used to eliminate bacterial infections.
5. An Abscess In Your Gums
This condition suggests a severe gum infection and has to be treated as soon as possible. An abscess can be painful causing swelling, fever, and other oral health risks. The real danger is that the infection can spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. So, it is recommended to see the Woodland dentist the very first day you notice the signs of your poor oral health.
Now that you are familiar with the symptoms of gum disease & you must not ignore them but urgently see a dentist in Woodland for early treatment before it gets too late. Contact us to see one of the best periodontists in Puyallup today.
