Signs of Gum Disease

Sign of gum disease banner

Do you know the signs of gum disease? If not, you’re not alone. Many people who have gum disease don’t even know they have it because they don’t know the signs. However, it is important to know the signs of gum disease because gum disease is a serious condition that can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of gum disease in detail. By being aware of these symptoms, you can get treatment for gum disease early on, before it causes too much damage.

Gum disease is a condition in which the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. This can happen due to a number of reasons, such as plaque buildup, infection, or even hormonal changes. When the gums start to pull away from the teeth, it creates spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets can become infected, and the infection can spread to the bones and tissues that support the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. Now that we’ve explained what gum disease is, let’s talk about its symptoms:

Gums are a Dark Color:

Healthy gums range in color from a light to dark coral pink color. One of the first signs of gum disease is that the gums start to turn a dark red color. This is usually due to inflammation or infection caused by the bacteria responsible for gum disease. As the infection gets worse, you may also notice that your gums appear swollen or puffy.

Bleeding:

One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bleeding. This is usually due to inflammation or infection. It is not normal for your gums to bleed while brushing, flossing, or eating. If you notice that your gums are bleeding whenever they are touched, this could be a sign that you have gum disease and should be seen by your dentist as soon as possible. It is also important to note that bleeding may or may not be accompanied by pain.

Gum Recession:

Another symptom of gum disease is gum recession. This is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This can make the teeth look longer than they actually are. Gum recession can also cause sensitivity in the teeth because the roots are now exposed.

Periodontal Pockets:

Healthy gums are normally firmly attached to the tooth roots. However, when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, it creates spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets can make it look like the gums are loosely fitted around the teeth. Not only that, but the pockets provide a perfect space for bacteria to accumulate. This causes the gums to become infected and the infection can spread to the bones and tissues that support the teeth.

Tenderness:

If you have gum disease, your gums may be tender to the touch. This is usually due to inflammation or infection. You may notice this tenderness while brushing, flossing, or eating. Oftentimes, the gums will also appear swollen.

Tooth Sensitivity:

Tooth sensitivity is when the teeth become sensitive (painful) to hot or cold temperatures, or to certain foods and drinks. As we mentioned before, gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity because it exposes the tooth’s roots. The tooth roots do not have enamel like the biting surfaces of your teeth do, which means that stimuli can enter the tooth and irritate the nerve, leading to pain. However, even if you don’t have gum recession, you may still experience tooth sensitivity if you have gum disease. This is because the bacteria responsible for gum disease can cause irritation and inflammation in the gums, which can lead to sensitivity.

Bad Breath:

Another symptom of gum disease is bad breath. This is because the bacteria responsible for gum disease can cause an odor. The more bacteria that accumulate in your mouth, the stronger the odor.

Loose Teeth:

If you have gum disease, your teeth may start to feel loose. This is because the infection can damage the bones and tissues that support the teeth. This usually happens with the advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Unfortunately, you also may notice that your teeth start to feel different when you bite down. This is because your teeth can shift in position once they become loose. Overtime, this can change your bite alignment and lead to various other complications.

In Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed the signs of gum disease. These are just some of the most common symptoms of gum disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist right away so that you can get treatment. Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause a lot of damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated, so don’t wait to get help!

Continue to Learn More About Dentistry:

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

More from the Chestnut Dental Blog

woman sticking out her tongue

The Benefits of Tongue Cleaning

Oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health, yet one often overlooked aspect of this regimen is the practice of tongue cleaning. While brushing and flossing regularly take the limelight

Read More »