Gum disease (periodontal disease) is extremely common. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults of all ages, and seniors in particular, and nearly half of all American adults have some form of gum disease. Worst of all, many people with gum disease aren’t even aware that they suffer from this condition.
But how do you know if you have gum disease? What should you look out for? And what should you do if you think you have gum disease? In this blog from Quintero Periodontics, we’ll go over a few early warning signs that may indicate that you have gum disease.
1. Gums That Bleed Easily When Brushing And Flossing
Even if you have healthy gums, it’s possible for them to bleed if you brush very heavily, and if you use a stiff-bristled toothbrush. But if your gums tend to bleed heavily even with gentle, light brushing, you may have gum disease.
The same is true of flossing. If your gums are healthy, they should not bleed when you floss them. If you notice that your gums bleed easily when you floss, you may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
2. Gum Discoloration
If your gums look like they’ve changed color, this could be an indication of gum disease. Infected gums usually become darker and redder in color. This is particularly true of the gum tissue near your teeth. If you notice red or dark discoloration of your gums, this could be a sign of gum disease.
3. Puffy And Swollen Gums
Along with discoloration, infected gums may look puffy and swollen. They may also feel “spongy” to the touch. Healthy gums feel firm and don’t move or feel soft when you touch or push them. If you notice that your gums are swollen, this is likely a symptom of gum disease.
4. Halitosis (Bad Breath) That Won’t Go Away
Gum disease happens when bacteria build up between the teeth and gums due to improper oral hygiene. As bacteria continue to build up, this can cause halitosis (bad breath).
Bacteria typically smell bad to humans, so as your gum disease continues to get worse, you may notice that your breath smells foul, even if you brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Gum disease is not the only cause of bad breath, but it is a common cause of halitosis.
5. Gum Recession And Tooth Sensitivity
If your gum disease is a bit more advanced, your gums may begin to pull away (recede) from your teeth. Because this exposes more of your tooth, gum recession can make your teeth look longer.
This change isn’t just cosmetic, either. When your gums recede, the newly-exposed part of your tooth may be more sensitive, causing discomfort when you eat certain foods, or even when you brush your teeth.
Worried About Gum Disease In Dacula? Come To Quintero Periodontics!
If you recognize one or more of the above signs of gum disease, it’s important for you to get periodontal care in Dacula right away. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is fully reversible with proper care. But if you wait too long for treatment, it may not be possible to fully reverse the damage that gum disease does to your teeth and gums.
So don’t wait. Take control of your oral health, and get the care you need for healthy gums in Dacula. Give Quintero Periodontics a call at (770) 614-8823 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Quintero, and get expert care for gum disease in Dacula.