What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
Gum disease begins slowly, often with changes in the color and texture of gum tissue․ The changes may not be noticeable, and you may not experience any pain or discomfort despite having gum disease․
The earliest sign of the disease is redness or swelling of the gums․ Healthy gums are firm and pale pinkish in color, but they can turn darker in color and be sensitive to brushing and flossing with they are diseased․ If your gums bleed occasionally when you brush or floss your teeth, you may be brushing too hard․ Bacteria in plaque can irritate the gums, which become tender and bleed more easily and regularly every time teeth or gums are cleaned․ Although the gums might not be painful, it is important to remember that the symptoms of gum disease take time to develop; hence the importance of having the gums checked regularly by a dentist․
Chronic halitosis, or bad breath, may also be a sign of gum disease․ As bacteria eat the sugars and release acids on the surface of your teeth, they also release foul-smelling substances in the spaces around gum tissue․ Halitosis that persists despite brushing and rinsing may not be caused exclusively by food particles stuck between the teeth, but instead may be the result of bacteria in deeper gum pockets․
As gum disease worsens, you may notice that your gums are starting to pull away from your teeth, or gum recession․ Gum recession can cause small “pockets” to form between the tooth and the gum tissue in which bacteria and debris amass․ It is very difficult for you to clean below the tooth surface above the gumline at home, so the infection spreads deeper․
Another symptom that can develop is increased tooth sensitivity because the roots of your teeth are more exposed as the gums recede. The roots do not have the same hard, protective enamel as the part of the teeth above the gum line. The roots can become sensitive to hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods and drinks․
You may notice a change in how your teeth fit together․ The infection may eventually spread to the jawbone, or the alveolar bone, that supports your teeth․ That means your teeth may feel a little loose, or your teeth may have shifted so your bite feels different when you chew․
The more advanced stages of gum disease are when you may see pus at the margin of the teeth and gums. Pus is an immune response that is triggered due to the presence of bacteria in the periodontal pockets․ When pus is present, you will need professional dental treatments to control the infection and prevent damage․
Bleeding while brushing, persistent bad breath, and swollen, red, or receding gums are all signs of a problem․ Early treatment can help prevent the loss of gum tissue and bone, prevent or slow tooth shifting, and prevent or slow tooth loss․
If you have more questions about gum disease or how addressing it could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see your treatment options for gum disease.
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