5 Gum Disease Signs to Watch For

Did you know gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss?

Your mouth is your most important sense organ. It allows you to eat, taste, talk, and smell. It protects your teeth from decay and guards the inside of your body from food-borne illnesses.

And yet, when it comes to the health of the gums and jawlines, people often neglect their well-being. 

Gum disease is often called periodontitis. This happens when harmful bacteria and plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, form a sticky film over your teeth.

If you are wondering what gum disease signs to watch out for, this short and simple guide is for you.

1. Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bad breath or halitosis. This occurs when plaque builds up between your teeth and gums. The bacteria that cause bad breath thrive in this environment.

It produces sulfur compounds, which give off an odor that can be very hard to get rid of.

2. An Unpleasant Taste in Your Mouth

If you notice that your breath smells worse than usual or has a bitter taste, it could be one of many types of gum disease. That’s because bacteria that cause gum disease produce waste products like sulfuric acid and various volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). 

These VSCs give off an unpleasant odor as they decompose into other chemicals, some of which are toxic. Meaning they can cause damage to tissues if breathed in over long periods.

3. Tooth Pain or Sensitivity

This is one of the most common signs that something is wrong with your oral health. If you notice sensitivity while eating or brushing your teeth, it could be a sign that you have gum disease.

4. Reduced Teeth Contact

Your dentist may notice that your teeth aren’t touching when you bite together. They may feel a gap between some of your back molars. 

This means you have gum recession. This happens when the gum tissue surrounding the tooth recedes away, exposing more of the root of the tooth.

You can learn more by reading the Guide to gum disease.

5. Bleeding Gums When Brushing or Flossing

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is one of the first signs of early gum disease stages. 

This is easy to spot at home if you take notice of what’s happening when you clean your teeth regularly. This symptom often occurs before any other symptoms appear. If you’re seeing blood every time you brush or floss, it’s time to talk to your dentist about treatment options.

Gum Disease Signs: This Is When to Go to the Dentist

Ultimately, gum disease is 100% preventable if you’re proactive.

If you’re experiencing any of these gum disease signs, don’t ignore them. Whether your gums are bleeding or throbbing, or you notice some swelling in the area, call your dentist right away.

It’s important to act quickly. Gum disease will get worse if it’s left untreated, and increasingly painful procedures might be necessary to restore your dental health.

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