8 Alarming Symptoms of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore |
Posted: January 20, 2022 |
Gum disease is a quite severe condition that can cause serious complications if left untreated. Even though this condition is extremely common and well-known, many people still neglect its symptoms. As a result, they can lose their teeth and have to undergo surgical treatment to restore their ability to eat and speak normally. Gum disease is caused by bacteria overgrowth due to poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, hormonal fluctuations, and heredity. That’s why it is extremely important to pay attention to the condition of your teeth and gums. In this article, we have gathered eight alarming symptoms of gum disease that you should never ignore. 1. Bad breathIndeed, bad breath can be caused by various factors like poor oral hygiene, consumption of smelly foods, and digestive issues. However, persistent bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth are deemed the most common symptoms of gum disease. Due to the fact that this condition is caused by bacteria, they cause toxins to form, which irritate the gums and cause an unpleasant smell. 2. Red, swollen, and tender gumsHealthy gums are pink, firm, and good-looking. If you have noticed that your gums have become red, swollen, and tender, it is better to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms usually manifest the development of gingivitis (early stage of gum disease). However, gum swelling can also be caused by a dental abscess, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. 3. Gum bleedingMany people think that mild gum bleeding that occurs during tooth brushing or on its own is completely normal. But the reality is that healthy gums don’t bleed and this symptom usually means that you already have gum disease. So if your toothpaste has suddenly become pink and you spit blood while tooth brushing or chewing hard foods, contact your dentist immediately. 4. Gum recessionGum recession is a condition that occurs when your gums shrink and make your teeth look longer. There are several factors that can make your gums recede. The most common of them are gum disease, aggressive tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene, smoking, and hormonal changes. If left untreated, gum recession can lead to teeth loosening and even tooth loss. 5. Gum pocketsGum pockets, also known as periodontal pockets, are a condition that occurs when the gum detaches from the tooth that leads to the development of a space between the teeth and gums. In the initial stage, this pocket is small and becomes deeper without treatment. Gum pockets tend to accumulate food particles, dental plaque, and bacteria that lead to the aggravation of the infection. 6. Pus between the teeth and gumsIf you have noticed that there is pus between your teeth and gums, you need to contact your dentist as soon as possible. A periodontal abscess is a collection of pus in the gums that occurs because of severe gum disease. If you already have gum pockets, bacteria, and debris that accumulate the can contribute to severe inflammation and festering. A periodontal abscess can damage your jaw bone and teeth, so you should undergo treatment. 7. Loose teethThere are several factors that can make your teeth loose, but advanced gum disease is among the most common causes. As mentioned above, receding gums can lead to teeth loosening and loss, since the roots of your teeth lose their support. If you have noticed that your teeth are loose, you need to visit your dentist and undergo proper gum disease treatment to prevent the development of severe complications. 8. Tooth lossIt is essential to understand that without timely and accurate treatment, gum disease can cause gum and bone loss. As a result, you can lose your teeth as well. To replace the missing tooth, you may need to undergo gum and bone grafting and get a dental implant, bridge, or denture. The bottom lineIt is important to understand that gum disease can affect both children and adults. That's why it is important to prevent its development with the help of proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups. If you already have at least some of the aforementioned symptoms, you need to visit a dentist and undergo proper treatment.
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