People often do not realize they have gum disease until it gets to a serious stage. A usual sign is bleeding gums, but they are not the only ones. This oral health problem can be shown by a number of other, more or less minor signs. Let us learn more about these secret signs and why you should not ignore them. Do not be shy about getting in touch with a dentist in North Scottsdale, AZ, if you need help keeping your teeth healthy.
What are the silent signs of gum disease?
- Constantly having bad breath.
If your mouth smells bad even after you brush and floss, that could be a sign that something is wrong. Halitosis happens when germs can grow in places where gum disease is present.
- Teeth that are loose.
Healthy teeth are tightly seated in their cavities. It is a big deal if your teeth feel loose or wobbly. Tooth decay weakens the bone that holds your teeth in place, which makes your teeth less stable.
- Bite has changed.
If you have gum disease, it can change how your teeth fit together. This can make it hard to chew, give you jaw pain, and change the way your face looks.
- Receding gums.
If your lips are healthy, they should fit snugly around your teeth. If your gums start to pull away from your teeth, showing more of the root, that is a clear sign of gum disease. It might look like your teeth are longer and hurt more.
- It hurts to chew.
If it hurts to chew, it could mean that your gum disease is getting worse. Because of the infection and inflammation that come with the condition, even simple things like eating can be painful.
- There is pus between your teeth and gums.
Pus can build up between your teeth and gums, which is a sign of an infection. With a light touch, you can see or feel something that is usually yellow or white.
- Gums that are swollen, red, or painful.
Pink and strong gums are a sign of good health. If your gums are red, swollen, or painful, that is a clear sign of gum inflammation.
Why early detection is important.
It is very important to find and treat gum disease as soon as possible. If it is not handled, it can cause serious problems, such as:
- Tooth loss: If gum disease gets bad enough, it can destroy the bone that holds your teeth in place, which can cause you to lose your teeth.
- Heart diseases: Research has shown that gum disease can make you more likely to get heart disease. Bacteria from gum infections can get into the bloodstream and make the heart swell.
- Stroke: People who have gum disease are also more likely to have a stroke.
- Respiratory illnesses: Mouth bacteria can get into the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses.
- Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar under control.
Prevention and treatment of gum disease.
It is important to take care of your teeth and gums to avoid gum disease:
- You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Every day, floss to get rid of plaque and germs that are stuck between your teeth.
- Set up regular dental check-ups so that a dentist can clean and examine your teeth.
If you have any of the signs of gum disease, you should see your dentist right away. If you act quickly, you can help fix the damage and stop it from getting worse. Some possible treatments are:
- Professional cleaning: A deep clean by a professional to get rid of plaque and tartar buildup.
- Antibiotics: To fight off sickness.
- Surgery: In the worst cases, ruined tissue and bone may need to be fixed through surgery.
You can protect your oral health and general health by learning about the quiet signs of gum disease and taking steps to stop and treat it.