When you plan a trip to the dentist or think about scheduling one, you probably think about your teeth and worry about whether you have any cavities. But, did you know that oral health is about more than just your teeth? Your gums play a significant role in your oral health. And unhealthy gums can be bad for your overall health as well.

The good news is that if you pay close attention to your gum health and your teeth, you can prevent serious illnesses from occurring down the road. Knowing the signs of gum disease is the first step in prevention.

Know the signs of gum disease.

Bacteria in the mouth is the contributing cause of gum disease in the first place. Bacteria infect the tissues around the tooth when left on the teeth for too long, forming a film referred to as plaque. This plaque eventually hardens into tartar or dental calculus, which only a dentist can remove. When patients miss their appointments, it results in inflammation, which, when left untreated, progresses into periodontal disease.

However, gum disease is one of those illnesses that, when caught early, is easily treatable, reversible, and curable. On the other hand, it gets challenging to treat gum disease as it reaches its more advanced stages. Be aware of these gum disease signs to protect your mouth and overall health.

1. Bleeding Gums

Usually, bleeding gums are a sign that you are not brushing or flossing accurately or often enough. Though it can happen occasionally, your gums should not bleed regularly. When you see blood after you brush or floss, it is an indication of bacteria.

2. Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Halitosis, or bad breath, is inevitable due to bacteria buildup. When anything is left to fester, it can start to put off a foul smell. And the same holds true when it comes to your teeth and gums. When you do not brush or floss adequately, or fail to visit the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and oral evaluation, that bacteria sits there, taking up space and spreading daily.

3. Receding Gums 

When our gums are in poor health, they can appear longer when we look at them in the mirror. This ‘long tooth’ look happens when our gums begin to recede due to poor health. Unfortunately, by this time, the gum disease has progressed to a point where the tooth root might be exposed. This makes the gums more susceptible to bacteria and decay. When this happens, your dentist will often recommend various gum disease treatments, such as scaling and root planing or antibiotics. Sometimes, a bone graft is necessary to rebuild the gumline.

4. Change in Color of the Gums

Healthy gums are usually light pink and firm to the touch. So, if you have pink gums, take it as a sign that your oral care routine is effective. But, if your gums are pale or bright red, this can indicate something is wrong. Gum disease usually causes gums to become darker in color and can make the tissues softer. Swollen gums are often painful and sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

5. Tooth Shifting

If your gums lose their firmness, it can cause your teeth to start shifting in your mouth. This is because, with advanced periodontitis (the progressed form of gum disease), the fibers and bones that support your teeth have been destroyed by bacteria, leaving the gums exposed. And when your teeth begin to shift, it can affect your bite, cause pain when chewing, and even increase your risk of adult tooth loss.

Catch gum disease early.

Though your dentist can offer periodontal treatment, if necessary, the best approach is to take steps to avoid gum disease in the first place. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental checkups significantly lessens your risk of periodontitis. But if you can’t avoid it, the next step is to watch for those signs of gum disease to catch it early on. Gum disease in its later stages can’t be reversed.

If you do develop gum disease in its earliest forms, take the following steps to reverse it and gain back your oral health: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss daily after meals and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash to kill the bad bacteria in your mouth.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist if your gums are red or swollen or you are bleeding when you brush or floss—if the gum disease has progressed, a deep cleaning or scaling and paneling treatment may be in order.

Visit your local family dentist in Corpus Christi to stop the signs of gum disease.

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to visit your dentist every six months. When you wait more than six months or skip your dental appointments from time to time, oral bacteria builds up and creates inflammation. And before long, you could be dealing with gum disease. If you are due for a dental cleaning, have experienced signs of gum disease, or want to improve your oral health, now is the time to request an appointment with Orchard Dental Associates. We look forward to seeing you and helping you achieve your desired healthy gums.