As a kid, being told that too much candy will give you cavities seemed like that was the only mouth issue to worry about. Though cavities can send you reeling in pain and certainly deserve attention, gum disease should not be brushed aside as a minor issue either. Gum disease can be a big problem for the mouth and even cause health issues in other parts of the body. Gum disease can be problematic because many people have gum disease and do not even know it. If left unattended, gum disease can lead to bleeding gums, loss of bone, and eventually loss of teeth. So be sure to keep regular appointments with your dentist! It’s invaluable to have another set of eyes checking for signs of gum disease. Catching gum disease early can minimize the damage and infected areas in your mouth. You may ask yourself, “What are the most common symptoms of gum disease?” There are some clear signs to look for when trying to catch gum disease before it gets out of hand, such as the color and condition of your gums as well as changes in your teeth.
Most people look at their teeth to determine if they have a healthy smile or not. But though it may be less noticeable, gums can speak loudly of the condition of your oral health. Healthy gums should not be tender when brushed and should be a light, pink color. If you are aware of tenderness or discomfort while brushing and your gums appear to be red, or dark purple and are bleeding or inflamed, there is a good chance you are looking at gum disease, possibly a precursor and more minor version called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a much more serious gum disease called periodontitis that can eventually cause your teeth to fall out.
As gum disease progresses, you may start to notice that your teeth are growing! This is actually not what is happening to your teeth but rather your gums are receding, causing your teeth to look longer. When the gums recede, the tooth root is exposed, leaving it vulnerable to being damaged by hard foods and even by aggressive brushing. The exposed roots should be brushed to maintain good hygiene but it should always be with gentle strokes away from, not toward, the gum line so the recession is not made worse.
If you were unaware of your gums changing color and exposed teeth roots, an undeniable sign of gum disease is a change in teeth. As periodontitis progresses, teeth become loose. The shape of your bite may also change as your teeth begin to shift as they loosen. The bacteria that is present in periodontitis will cause you to lose bone in your jaw which will result in you losing your teeth. This bacteria can also get into your bloodstream, causing more issues in your overall health.
If you see any of these signs of gum disease, call your dentist immediately to set up an appointment. The sooner your mouth is examined, the sooner you can get your oral health back on track. If you live in St. Augustine, FL, give Dental Remedies a call today!
Call 904-440-0200 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.