Gum disease is something that affects nearly half of all American adults. However, just because so many people have it, that doesn’t mean that it should be accepted as something that you just put up with.
The best way to make sure that you don’t have gum disease is to visit your dentist on a regular basis. But if you are in-between visits, here are 8 signs that you will want to look for to see if you may have gum disease.
Discolored Gums
One of the first signs that you can look for to determine whether or not you have gum disease is the color of your gums. Normally, gums should be a fleshy pink color. However, gums that are at risk of gum disease will start to turn bright red. This red symbolizes an infection in the area, so it’s something that you’ll want to keep an eye out for right away.
Sensitive Gums
Not only will your teeth become discolored, but you’ll also notice changes in sensitivity as well. Your gums may become incredibly sensitive to the touch, which can make it difficult for you to brush or floss daily.
Bleeding Gums
In some extreme cases, your gums may be so sensitive that they start bleeding. Bleeding gums is a sign that things are getting severe, and you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Filmy Buildup Around The Teeth
If you look in-between your teeth and notice that there is a filmy residue building up, this is another sign that you may have gum disease. The residue will likely be white or cream colored, and it won’t go away with just a normal brushing.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is another concern to look out for with gum disease. If your gums are infected, then your breath will consistently smell bad because your mouth won’t be able to properly cleanse itself to smell any better.
It’s Painful To Chew
When you begin to eat and chew food, pay close attention to the pain that you experience. If the pain is extreme and excruciating, then this could be a sign that you have gum disease. In the event that the pain is just mild, it might mean that you can catch your gum disease problems before they get any more serious.
Receding Gum Line
If your gum line starts to recede and work its way up your teeth, this is a sign that you have gum disease. In order to get this to stop happening, you’ll need to visit your dentist as quickly as possible. They can help cleanse your gums and avoid any further recession of the gums.
Your Teeth Begin To Loosen
Finally, it’s important that you look at the overall strength of your gums. If you begin to notice that your teeth start to loosen over time, this is a sign that you could have weakening gums. When your gums no longer have the strength that they need, then your teeth will be the first to be compromised. If you want to keep your teeth strong and in place, then it’s important that you have your gums checked out as quickly as possible.
The condition of your gums is vital for your overall health. If you want to stay as healthy as possible, be sure to watch out for these symptoms and contact your dentist if you notice that you may have gum disease.