The Top 5 Symptoms of Gum Disease and What You Can Do About Them
The bad news is that around half of Americans have some form of gum disease, whether mild, moderate, or severe. What’s worse, those who are at least 65 years old have a 70% chance of having gum disease. However, there is good news – gum disease is very treatable.
Read on to learn about five symptoms that may indicate you have gum disease. Then learn how working with a California dentist can help you get rid of gum disease or avoid being diagnosed with it in the first place. Read on and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment.
- Red gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Regular bad breath
- Receding gums
- Your teeth have become sensitive
If you’ve noticed that your gums are red or irritated, then this is likely caused by gum disease. That said, there are other possible explanations. For example, you may be using a toothbrush that has harder bristles than you need, or you may be brushing too hard. To get the best results – and keep your gums from being injured – use a soft toothbrush and gently clean them.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth then something is wrong. It is never normal for your gums to regularly bleed when brushing. The most likely reason is that you have gum disease but it could be a sign of something else. Certainly, it’s a sign that you need to reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
Has anyone complained that you have bad breath? Do you regularly have a bad taste in your mouth? If so, they could be a sign of something bad you ate or they could be a sign of gum disease. If it only happens once in a while then it’s likely nothing to worry about. If it happens regularly then it may be gum disease.
Have your gums begun to pull back? Otherwise known as recession, if the healthy, pink tissue that’s around your teeth pulls back and more of your tooth is exposed, then it’s likely gum disease. This is a situation that can happen very gradually, which is why it’s not always noticed right away. The bad news is that by the time it’s visible, bone could have already been lost. This is why it’s so important to have dental cleaning and exams every six months.
Do you find that your teeth are sensitive? Do you have pain when you’re chewing food? There is a long list of factors that can lead to sensitive teeth, including a filling that needs to be replaced, a cracked tooth, tooth decay, and an issue that requires a root canal. However, gum disease can also be the cause. Why? Because when the gums recede, they leave the root of the tooth exposed. It’s then not protected and can get hurt.
Gum disease is very common but that doesn’t mean that it’s no big deal. If you want to avoid losing bone, painful experiences, and bad breath, then it’s important to have your dental exam every six months. Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment.
