Do I Have Gum Disease? Look for These Symptoms and Warning Signs

When it comes to maintaining your dental health, a few fundamentals for taking care of your teeth — such as brushing and flossing — come to mind. But what about your gums? Your gums are integral to your oral health, and being mindful of their condition is important. Gum disease can take hold without proper care, resulting in tooth or bone loss in the mouth. That is why it is so important to undergo restorative dentistry treatments to improve the health of your mouth.

There are a few warning signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease. The team at our Redwood City, CA, practice has put together a list of some of the most common symptoms of gum disease:

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Swollen, Sore, or Bleeding Gums

The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the part of your gum around the base of your teeth (the gingiva), resulting in inflammation. Over time, your gums could swell up, become extra sensitive, or bleed easily. If left unaddressed, gingivitis — the first stage of gum disease — can turn into periodontitis, a more advanced form of the disease.

Gum Recession

Advancing gum disease can cause your teeth to appear longer since the gums surrounding them are receding away. Gum recession isn’t only an aesthetic issue; it can become a health concern when the roots of your teeth become exposed, putting your teeth at risk of decay and loss.

Healthy gums fit snugly around each of your teeth, but gum disease can result in deeper-than-normal spaces around them, referred to as periodontal pockets. Deep enough pockets make it challenging to remove food and debris with normal brushing and flossing.

Persistent Bad Breath

Another main symptom of gum disease is foul-smelling breath — also known as halitosis — or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. This happens when oral bacteria live within plaque that build up on the teeth and gums. If you pick up on bad-smelling breath that you can’t attribute to your diet, it’s best to have your dentist examine your mouth for infection.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity has several potential causes, including brushing too hard, cavities and fractures, as well as gum disease. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jaw bones and connective tissue that support your teeth. This can make gum disease feel like a toothache. Everything from early to advanced periodontitis can result in nerve pain and tooth sensitivity if the roots of your teeth are affected.

Noticing Signs of Gum Disease? Our Practice in Redwood, CA, Can Help

Gum disease treatment can involve a surgical procedure or nonsurgical intervention, such as scaling and root planing, as well as antibiotics; it all depends on the stage of the disease and your overall health.

If you’re picking up on any common signs and symptoms of gum disease, it’s imperative that you turn to a trusted professional to examine your mouth and recommend a treatment plan tailored to you. Our practice offers a host of restorative dentistry options designed to promote the form and function of your smile and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

To learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of gum disease, get in touch with us at our Redwood City office today.