How to Spot Gum Disease: Key Symptoms and Early Indicators
Have you ever seen blood while brushing your teeth or had bleeding gums? These simple warning signs often go unchecked. This blog will help you to be on the lookout for some symptoms that might indicate that you probably have gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and involves inflammation of the gums.
Periodontitis:
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
In periodontitis, the inflammation spreads deeper into the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone.
Early indicators and signs of gum disease (gingivitis) are often subtle but important to notice. If caught early, gum disease can typically be reversed with improved oral hygiene.
Here are the most common early signs:
Bleeding Gums:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing are one of the most common early signs.
This happens because of inflammation in the gums due to plaque buildup.
Red or Swollen Gums:
Healthy gums should be pale pink and firm.
In the early stages of gum disease, gums may appear red, swollen, or puffy.
The inflammation occurs as the gums react to bacteria in plaque.
Bad Breath (Halitosis):
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, even after brushing, can be a sign of gum disease. This occurs due to bacteria in the mouth, which produce foul-smelling compounds.
Receding Gums:
Gum recession or the appearance of teeth that seem longer than before can be a sign of gum disease. The gums pull back from the teeth due to inflammation and damage to the tissues.
Tender or Painful Gums:
The gums may become tender or painful to the touch,
especially when brushing or flossing.
This is often a result of inflammation.
Changes in Gum Color:
Healthy gums are usually light pink.
If gums are darker red, purple, or show signs of discoloration,
it may indicate gum irritation or infection.
Formation of Pockets Between Teeth and Gums:
In early gum disease, small pockets may form between your gums and teeth. If these pockets deepen, they can collect more bacteria, leading to more severe forms of gum disease.
Loose Teeth or Shifting Teeth:
Though this is more common in advanced stages of gum disease, some people notice their teeth starting to feel loose or shift positions due to the breakdown of the supporting bone.
If you notice any of these early signs, it’s important to act quickly:
Improve oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and makes it harder for gums to heal.
See a dentist: A professional cleaning and check-up can help prevent further damage and catch the disease in its early stages.
Detecting gum disease early can prevent it from progressing to more severe forms that could lead to tooth loss.
