You brush your teeth and spot a little blood in the sink after you’re done. You check your teeth but there doesn’t seem to be any blood left in your mouth – are your gums inflamed and swollen? If they are, you could be suffering from gingivitis. If gingivitis goes untreated, chances are it will turn into periodontitis, or gum disease. There are several other symptoms that may occur (other than bleeding gums) that can help to determine whether or not you have gum disease. Most importantly, if you suspect that your oral health is declining it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Could it be gum disease?
Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease:
Receding Gums
Inflamed Gums
Chronic Bad Breath
Loose Teeth
Tender or Bleeding Gums
What Causes Gum Disease?
Periodontitis is caused by bacteria in your mouth that has infected your gums. However, there are several things that could increase your risk to be susceptible to gum disease. Some of these are; smoking or chewing tobacco, hormonal changes (like pregnancy), and diabetes. Medications may also pose a risk to your mouth as they can have side effects like dry mouth, which makes your mouth a great place for bacteria and infection to grow.
What Can You Do?
The first thing you should always do is make an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to help you with a treatment plan depending on how severe your gum disease is.
