The 4 Symptoms of Gum Disease You Should Look For

Gum disease does not happen all of a sudden; it has several stages and advances over a period of time. The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Irregular and inadequate brushing and flossing is the main cause of gum disease. However, even people who brush and floss regularly have reported having gum disease.

When it comes to predicting gum disease, it’s a lot like cancer! The symptoms could be so minor at first that patients may often neglect them until the gum disease has become advanced. Therefore, the following 4 symptoms are the signs that you should look out for if you do suspect gum disease:

1.  Red and swollen gums

Healthy gums are meant to be red and firm. However, just like in the case of any serious infection, your gums too swell up when they’re infected and turn red. This could be a symptom of several other serious oral issues and is a condition that must not be left untreated.

2.  Bleeding gums 

This is a sign of advanced gum disease. In this scenario, the bacteria that have infected your gums start to feast around the tissues, making them bleed. Does it ever happen that you spot some blood in your spit or your gums start to bleed a little from minor scratches from your toothbrush bristles? This could be indicative of gum disease.

3.  Bad breath

Gum disease patients may notice that they’re constantly having bad breath and taste, despite proper brushing and flossing. Bad breath comes from the metabolic processes of the bacteria deep inside your gums and no amount of brushing and flossing can get rid of them.

4.  Loose teeth

Your teeth are held in their places by the strength of your gums. When you have gum disease, your gums start to lose their strength and surrounding tissues to bacteria, rendering your teeth loose. Receding gums could also be an outcome of the same reason. You may notice that your teeth are getting bigger. It’s actually the gum that’s receding, exposing more of the teeth.

Is gum disease easily treatable? It surely is! But ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene to stay away from it in the first place. And in case you do need gum disease treatment, you can contact a dentist near you.