6 of the Most Common Signs That You May Have Gum Disease
Most people are shocked to learn that almost half of American adults have some type of gum disease. There are several forms, including both gingivitis and periodontal disease, but one thing is true of both: The sooner they’re caught, the better. Read on to learn about the six most common signs of gum disease and then call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you need to make an appointment.
- Your gums are irritated
- You have bad breath
- Your gums are bleeding
- You have pain in your gums and / or teeth
- Your gums are pulling away from your teeth
- You have loose teeth
In most cases, the first sign that a person has gum disease is that their gums start to look and feel different. They’re likely to be red and swollen. This indicates that they’re irritated. If you see this, then you’ll want to work to improve your at-home oral health routine. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and make sure you’re following the proper techniques for both.
There are many potential causes of bad breath but gum disease is the most common. In most cases, bad breath is the result of bacteria in your mouth. If you have bacteria in your mouth then it’s likely in your gums. Getting rid of plaque gets rid of much of that bacteria, which will help with your bad breath and gum disease.
As is true of bad breath, there are a number of reasons that your gums could be bleeding but the most likely of them is that you have gum disease. This is caused by the plaque hardening on your teeth to become tarter, which then causes gum disease. If you find that your gums bleed on a regular basis, then you need to talk to your dentist. Deep cleaning may be all that’s needed to take care of the problem.
If you get to the point that you’re feeling pain in your gums or teeth then you need to contact a dentist as soon as possible. If the pain is caused by gum disease, then it may mean that bacteria is essentially eating away at your gums and the bones beneath them. If the pain is actually caused by something else, then that needs to be addressed as well.
Have you noticed that your gums are pulling away from your teeth? If so, this may be caused by the bacteria that cause gum disease. The bad news is that it can compound on itself, thanks to the fact that your mouth and gums will be more vulnerable to germs and plaque.
After gum disease runs rampant for a while, and bacteria has eaten away at your gums, then you’ll find that there’s more and more space between your gums and teeth. Eventually, your teeth will loosen. If this isn’t addressed then you will lose teeth eventually.
As you can see, it’s extremely important to visit the dentist if you have reason to believe that you have gum disease. Reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today to make an appointment.
