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Oral health is a part of your general well being and your gums play a big role in it. Gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) is a very common condition that, although preventable, if left unattended, can have very serious consequences. It’s possible to spot most of these warning signs early, if not before they cause damage, and avoid serious complications — tooth loss, infection and even sickness by systemic. The key signs of gum disease you shouldn’t ignore are:
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste that Seems Persistent
Gum disease is one of the causes of bad breath, medically called halitosis. Bad breath that’s occasional after eating some foods or drinks is normal but persistent bad breath could mean something is wrong.
Bacteria builds up along the gum line and causes the gum line to create sulfur compounds producing an unpleasant odor. In addition, these bacteria may leave a metallic or sour taste in your mouth that won’t be covered up by brushing or mouthwash.
Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
Gums should be firm and pink. Gingivitis is an early sign if your gums look red, swollen, sore, or if they bleed easily when you brush or floss. As plaque and bacteria build on the teeth and gum line this is an inflammation that occurs. Indications of redness and tenderness often mean that your gums are in pain and they need your attention.
Bleeding Gums
If you brush or floss, do your gums bleed? This is one of the most obvious early warning signs of gum disease. Nevertheless, many cases are dismissed as removing plaque builds and discolored tissue through too hard brushing, but most of the time, it just means inflammation.
Gum Recession
Yet another sign of gum disease is gum recession. This is from when the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the root. Your teeth can end up looking longer, for example, and you might find them particularly sensitive to hot or cold food. Aside from pockets of cosmetic inflammation, gum recession also leads to your teeth being more susceptible to decay and infection. The sooner you address the gum recession, the better it is for your teeth to protect their integrity.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
Your teeth have healthy gums and bones that provide a good foundation. But this foundation is weakened as gum disease progresses and gets teeth loosening or moving out of place. You may see a gap between your teeth forming or a change in how your teeth bite together. Bone loss from advanced periodontitis is often the source of these changes. Loose teeth may eventually fall out left unchanged, so seek some treatment as soon as possible.
Pain While Chewing
Signs of gum disease include difficulty in chewing without discomfort or pain. These may be inflammatory, infected, coming from exposed roots of the teeth due to receded gums. First, gum disease is painful and needs immediate treatment but sometimes its signs may be confused with tooth decay or some other dental problem. If you continually suffer from pain while eating, your gums need attention from a dentist in Karachi.
Pus or Sores in the Gums
If you have pus or sores in the gums, you are infected. In some children, pus often means they have an abscess which is a pocket of infection that will cause quite a bit of pain and swelling. Unless treated right away, gum abscesses are a serious problem and if not taken care of will spread harsh infection over other parts of the mouth and even the body. Don’t ignore this symptom; it can lead to more serious health problems so don’t delay getting checked out.
Changes in Bite or Jaw Relationship
Structural changes may occur as a result of your bite and jaw alignment changes that occur with advanced gum disease. When your teeth are destroyed as the supporting tissues and bone are destroyed, your teeth may begin to shift, changing the way they come together when you bite. It can make it hard to chew right and may need some corrective treatment. Keep your eye out for any noticeable difference in how your teeth line up.
Risk Factor and Prevention Tips
You can get gum disease, but you are more at risk if you have any of these factors. There are many factors that lead to poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes and genetic predisposition. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day along with regular oral care visits to your dentist to receive a checkup and professional cleaning are the best ways to prevent or maintain gum disease.
When to See a Dentist
If you have any of the warning signs mentioned above, you should visit your dentist. Gum disease can be stopped in its tracks if caught early and treated correctly. Assuming gum disease, dentists and periodontists have the training to diagnose and treat gum disease, including deep cleaning, medication or surgery, if needed.
Conclusion
This is a very serious condition and it can affect not only your oral health, but your general health as well. If you have the warning signs, like persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth; you can then take proactive action to protect your gums and teeth.