5 Signs of Gum Diseases

Every seven out of ten Canadians develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is a common dental problem among Canadians.

Gum disease has serious consequences for your dental health. It is linked to heart disease, respiratory illnesses, strokes, diabetes, etc. Therefore, overlooking the most obvious signs is not even an option.

So are you at risk? Well, the answer to that is to keep an eye out for these five red flags and visit your dental clinic to get an answer.

1) Bleeding Gums

Your gums should not bleed when you eat hard foods, or while brushing or flossing because it isn’t normal. If you are noticing blood in your gums, it is likely due to bacteria build-up along the gum line, causing gingivitis. If you reduce the frequency of brushing your teeth or stop flossing just to prevent bleeding gums, you are going in the wrong direction. Doing so will increase the amount of bacteria build-ups and plaque, which can further lead to gum diseases. Since gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) diseases, it must be taken seriously. Be sure to visit your dental clinic right away if you are noticing this symptom.

2) Tender or Swollen Gums

Gums that are inflamed, swollen, or painful should set off the alarm bells. Inflammation of the gums occurs when your gums try to eject harmful bacteria that are causing an infection. The redness and the swelling can wreak havoc on your gums and the bone beneath. It can even cause gum disease and tooth loss eventually if you leave it untreated.

3) Receding Gums

Are your teeth are starting to look longer when you smile? If yes, then it means that your gums are receding away from the base of your teeth. This increases the depth of collar of gum tissue around your teeth, hence deepening the gum pockets. A serious problem arises when food and debris get trapped in these pockets making it difficult to remove by brushing and flossing.

4) Tooth Sensitivity

While there are a number of things that can cause dental sensitivity, gum disease can be one of the reasons. Chronically inflamed gum tissue can expose the root of your tooth, making it sensitive to too hot or cold foods and beverages. This exposure can be very harmful to your teeth, which may lead you to see an emergency dentist and needs to be treated as soon as possible.

5) Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath is another sign of gum disease. This happens when oral bacteria release odor-causing acids in the mouth leading to unhealthy gums. If you have persistent bad breath or you feel your breath is having an unpleasant odor that just won’t go away, head to the dental clinic for further examination.

If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms of gum disease, be certain to visit our dental clinic straight away!