Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause the gums to become inflamed and infected. This condition can be both painful and embarrassing, but many people don’t realize they have it until the symptoms are severe. To make matters worse, gum disease that has progressed can’t be cured, only treated. One of the best ways to catch gum disease early is to pay attention to the top five signs of gum disease, and if you do experience symptoms, see your dentist in Springfield quickly.
- Bleeding Gums
When you floss or brush your teeth, do you often see blood on your toothbrush? Believe it or not, bleeding while you brush or floss can actually be an early sign of gum disease. If left untreated, bacteria can spread through your gums to affect the bone structure in your jaw. A good rule of thumb: if you see blood, bring it up with your dentist in Springfield right away. Early treatment can help get things under control before it’s too late.
- Swollen Gums
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that most often manifests as swollen, red gums. This is most often an indication that plaque has accumulated on your teeth and has begun to calcify. Your dentist may be able to treat you with a deep cleaning or antibiotic treatment if they suspect you have gingivitis. However, if you ignore your symptoms for too long, it could lead to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and infection in other parts of your body.
- Painful Gums
It’s possible to have gum disease and never experience any pain, but severe cases of gum disease typically cause soreness. If you notice that your gums are sensitive or painful to touch after flossing or brushing, you might be suffering from plaque buildup. However, it’s important to note that if you can explain the cause of the pain, such as a piece of food lodged in your gums, there may be no cause for concern.
- Sensitive Gums
If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods, it could simply be a sign of sensitive teeth. However, it can also be a sign of gum disease. When gum disease happens, it causes gums to become inflamed. This can cause teeth to protrude outwards, leading to sensitivity to heat or cold. Make sure to talk with your dentist in Springfield about any tooth or gum sensitivity you have at every visit.
- Bad Breath
Bad breath that lasts for longer than two weeks can be a sign of gum disease. If you don’t floss and brush your teeth well daily, food bits can remain in your mouth. These foods will feed mouth bacteria and cause bad breath and a buildup of plaque. This plaque can irritate your gums and allow gum disease to take hold. Usually, bad breath is one of a few signs of gum disease.
Gum disease is a serious condition that can have long-term health consequences. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see a dentist in Springfield. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing more serious problems later on.
