Have you ever finished brushing your teeth only to find a little bit of blood in your sink? Maybe you shrugged it off, dismissing it as nothing important. The truth is that bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease, an extremely common bacterial infection in your gum tissue that, if left untreated, can cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out! To avoid these complications, it’s best to seek gum disease therapy in Forest as soon as you suspect you have the condition. But how can you determine whether you have it? Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for.
Swollen, Red Gums
Gum disease usually starts with inflammation along the gumline. Your gums might also feel tender or sore and bleed easily when you brush and floss.
Bad Breath
The more dental plaque you have on your teeth, the more harmful bacteria there are. When you eat anything sugary, these bacteria feed on that and release a foul-smelling waste product that affects your breath. If your bad breath doesn’t respond to brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, it may be a sign of gum disease.
Teeth That Appear Longer
Gum disease can cause the bone supporting your teeth to break down. When this happens, your gums start pulling back from your teeth, making your teeth look longer. This is known as receding gums.
Sensitive Teeth
Receding gums often go hand in hand with tooth sensitivity. With receding gums, the sensitive layer of the tooth – known as dentin – is exposed, causing discomfort when your teeth are exposed to cold foods, drinks, and air.
Wiggly or Shifting Teeth
When gum disease, particularly in the advanced stages, attacks the bones that anchor your teeth in place, it can result in teeth that loosen or move around. It can even alter the way that your teeth fit together when you bite.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Forest as soon as you can. Gum disease is easiest to treat in its early stages. Don’t worry, your dentist will make sure your treatment is as comfortable and pain-free as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Hatch has spent over 10 years practicing at Crossroads Family Dentistry, after graduating from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He has undergone both the Biomet Synergy Training Program as well as multiple American Dental Association post-graduate courses every year to stay on top of the latest that modern dentistry has to offer. His practice offers gum disease therapy to help soothe your irritated gums. If you experience any of the symptoms listed earlier, give them a call at (434) 841-1704.