If you’re an American adult, you should be extremely particular about your gums’ health. That’s because gum disease is a common problem here. Let’s look at some stats.
As per the Center for Disease Control, 47.2 percent of Americans aged 30 years and above have some form of gum disease. But in the case of people who are 65 years and above the prevalence rate increases to 70.1 percent!
Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented with proper oral care. And they can be easily treated when they are detected at early stages. This blog post lists ten warning signs that can indicate something is wrong with your gums. Read on to know everything about the signs so that you can nip gum disease in the bud and avoid expensive and complicated treatments.
1. Bleeding gums
If your gums are aching or bleeding, it can be a warning sign of infections or gum inflammation such as gingivitis or periodontitis. More often than not, gum bleeding is the first sign of gingivitis. If it is not treated on time, it can worsen complications and cause advanced periodontal diseases. If you find any trace of blood after brushing, flossing, or eating any hard and crunchy food, then don’t ignore the sign. A majority of people ignore the problem by assuming it’s caused by aggressive brushing or flossing. Instead, a visit to the dentist can help in finding out the actual cause of the bleeding and treat the condition at the earliest.
2. Red and swollen gums
Pink and firm, that’s how healthy gums look! If your gums are red and swollen, then chances are high that they might be inflamed, or worse infected. It’s also important to note that a slight tint of yellow on your gums can indicate gingivitis. If the problem is not treated on time, it can make your teeth and gums sensitive and bleed. That’s why it’s extremely crucial to visit an experienced dentist and seek professional help.
3. Chronic bad breath
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused due to several factors. Some of the culprits are pungent foods such as onion, garlic, horseradish, wasabi, and chilies. Even a dry mouth can cause bad breath for a short period. But if the condition is persistent, then it can be an indicator of gum disease. Halitosis is usually caused by a buildup of odor-causing bacteria, which later lead to various gum diseases. If the bad breath does not go away after brushing with high-quality refreshing toothpaste or using mouth freshener, then you must visit a dentist to get your gums checked.
4. Receding gums
If your teeth look as if they have become longer lately, then receding gums might be the reason. While receding gums can happen to people of all ages, it is more likely to develop in people who’ve crossed the age of 65, with existing periodontal diseases, or who’ve had orthodontic treatments such as braces. In this condition, the gums pull back or wear away from the base of the teeth. Apart from affecting the aesthetics of the teeth, they also cause many serious oral complications such as periodontal diseases, tooth loss, bone loss, and loose teeth.
5. Sensitive gums and teeth
Sensitive gums and teeth can be caused by various factors such as improper brushing and flossing techniques, hormonal changes, Vitamin K deficiency, and tooth decay, just to name a few. But chronic sensitivity can be a sign of gum disease as well as infected or inflamed gums. If the sensitivity persists for a long time, get your gums checked before it causes huge discomfort to you and advances into much more serious complications.
You may also like to read: Top 7 Tips to stop bleeding gums and their benefits
6. Change in taste
Dysgeusia is the medical term for a change in taste or a persistent bad aftertaste. It could signal infected, inflamed, or diseased gums. Gum diseases can cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth. The soapy taste, which is unusual and unsettling, can signal the onset of gum and tooth health issues. The metallic taste can indicate bleeding gums or more serious oral health conditions. If you experience any change in taste, then visit your dentist immediately.
7. Loose or shifting teeth
Loose teeth and shifting teeth are sure-shot indicators of gum disease and diminishing jaw bone density. Once the gum disease advances to the point where it affects both your jaw bone and gum tissues, it can cause irreversible and irreparable damage. You can arrest loose and shifting teeth at the right time by seeing a dentist right away.
8. Deep pockets between teeth and gums
When it comes to oral health, deep pockets between teeth and gums are a huge cause of concern. Pockets deeper than four millimeters can signal periodontitis. Pockets deeper than five millimeters cannot be cleaned well. If you feel that you have deep pockets between teeth and gums, you must visit a dentist to see if there is any bone loss.
9. Pus from teeth or gums
If you find pus secretion in your teeth or gums, then it can signal gum infections or disease. Dental pus is known as an abscess, which is categorized into two types – periapical and periodontal. The second one, periodontal abscess, occurs in the gums. If the periodontal abscess is not drained from the gums on time, it can lead to serious complications. If you suspect that you have pus in your gums, get your gums checked immediately.
10. Numbness in the mouth
If you feel a sudden numbness in your mouth, it can signal something is wrong with your gums. Usually, the prickling or tingling sensation in your mouth indicates tooth decay and infected root nerves. If the numbness is not treated on time it can cause a lot of dental problems. If you feel any numbness in your mouth, get your gums checked by an experienced dentist.
Taking everything into consideration
Common gum problems are now reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. as well as globally. They may look harmless in the beginning but can cause a wide range of oral and general health complications if not detected and treated on time. That’s why you must always take extra care of your gums and if you notice any of the signs, see an experienced and trustworthy dentist immediately.
If you’re looking for the best dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, or Woodstock, consider TruCare Dentistry. To book an appointment call (678) 321-7575.