Healthy gums are essential for a confident and bright smile. Millions of people ignore the early signs of periodontal disease and the symptoms can become severe and painful. Gum disease can start off quite quietly with little pain during early stages. However, if you catch the early signs of gum disease, you can fully reverse the damage.
Understanding the early signs of gum disease, and taking action will help to keep you healthy.
What Are The Early Signs Of Gum Disease?
Why Do Gums Bleed?
Healthy gums will never bleed during brushing. If you notice small spots of red or pink blood on your brush or pink water when flossing, this is a sign your gums are in trouble.
Plaque build-up
Plaque can build up on your teeth as it is sticky and contains lots of bacteria. If you leave some areas when brushing, plaque can harden into tartar.
White blood cell increase
As your body sees there is a build-up of bacteria, white blood cells and blood increase in your gums. This causes the blood vessels to become weak and easily bleed.
Never accept bleeding gums as a normal part of life. This is the first stage of gingivitis and can be fully reversed with correct treatment.
Why Are Gums Red, Swollen And Sore?
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If your gums are dark pink, swollen and sore this shows they are inflamed.
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Food and bacteria trapped below the gum line causes inflammation.
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Healthy gums are firm and wrap around your teeth. Inflamed gums will feel swollen and soft.
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You could experience a dull ache or soreness along your gum line.
Why Do I Have Constant Bad Breath?
Everyone will have bad breath after eating foods such as garlic, onions or strong spices. However, if you continuously have bad breath despite brushing, flossing and using mouthwash this means your gums are suffering from a hidden gum disease.
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Anaerobic bacteria thrive in the deep pockets of your gums and the back of your tongue causing smelly sulfur gases.
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Food gets stuck in small pieces in the areas where your toothbrush can’t reach due to plaque and tartar build-up.
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If your mints and mouth wash help for only a few minutes then your breath is telling you there is an infection in your gums.
Why Are My Gums Receding?
If your teeth appear to have gotten longer this is because your gums have pulled away. This exposes the sensitive root of your teeth.
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Chronic gum disease causes toxic bacteria to build up meaning your gums slowly pull away from your teeth causing deep pockets known as periodontal pockets.
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Tooth roots don’t have an enamel layer to protect them. When your gums recede you will feel sensitive when eating hot, cold, sweet and sour foods.
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The exposed roots make it easier for plaque to get onto your teeth increasing the chance of cavities on the root.
Why Is There Pus Coming From My Gums?
Pus coming from your gum line is a scary symptom and needs to be seen by a dentist.
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The deep pockets in your gums cause bacteria, white blood cells and dead tissues to get trapped. This leads to painful pockets of infection known as periodontal abscesses.
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You may feel a throbbing pain, pressure or sharp pain in the affected area of your gums.
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Pus means your mild gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis. This is a destructive gum disease and needs urgent attention.
Why Are My Teeth Becoming Loose?
Your teeth are completely held in place by your healthy jaw bone and firm gums. When gum disease takes affect your jaw bone will weaken causing your teeth to shift.
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Advanced gum disease causes damage to your jaw bone. This causes your teeth to become unstable.
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You may find your teeth feel loose when biting down or your top and bottom teeth no longer fit together as well.
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Eventually your teeth will become too loose and fall out due to the bone loss.
How Is Gum Disease Related To Your Overall Health?
Your mouth is closely related to your whole body. Severe infections can cause problems.
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Aggressive bacteria from your bleeding gums can easily enter your bloodstream when chewing or brushing.
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Scientific studies have shown chronic gum disease can cause an increased risk of heart disease, artery blockages and strokes.
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Gum disease can make it very difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels. High sugar levels will make the gum infections worse.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Prevention of gum disease takes commitment. To prevent gum disease you need to take care of your teeth at home and see a dentist.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
– Brush for 2 minutes every morning and evening. Use a soft bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Why Should You Floss Daily?
– Floss between all your teeth to remove any hidden plaque. This will stop plaque turning into destructive tartar.
Should You Use Antiseptic Mouthwash?
– Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria and freshen your breath.
How Often Should You Visit A Dentist?
– Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional clean and early diagnosis.
What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease?
Can I Reverse Early Gum Disease?
Yes you can fully reverse early gum disease. Improving your brushing and flossing habits, stopping smoking and visiting your dentist to have your teeth professionally cleaned will remove the plaque and your gums will be fully healthy again.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Start To Floss?
Bleeding gums during the first few days you start to floss is a sign you have mild gingivitis. As you floss regularly your gums will heal and the inflammation will reduce. After a week or two your gums will no longer bleed.
Can Gum Disease Cause Me To Lose My Teeth?
Yes, if your early gum disease progresses to severe periodontitis, your jaw bone will be damaged. This will cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
By understanding the early signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, inflamed gums, constant bad breath and receding gums you can protect your smile. Committing to good hygiene habits daily at home and visiting your dentist regularly will keep your gums healthy, keep you healthy and will keep your natural teeth for life.