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7 signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is something that affects most adults in the UK, but goes largely unnoticed until it has moved past mild symptoms. Regular visits with your dentist and regular scaling will help prevent gum disease from settling in and causing actual damage.

Whether or not you’re seeing your dentist on a regular basis, here are some of the more common signs of gum disease. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to get checked out.

1. Red, swollen gums

This is one of the earliest symptoms that you’ll notice and it’s a good indication that you need to see your dentist. While the swollen gums are uncomfortable, the disease is still quite treatable at this stage and needn’t continue.

2. Bleeding gums

Another early symptom is bleeding gums, particularly when brushing your teeth or eating harder food. This sign may go along with the swollen gums.

3. Foul taste

Do you ever notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth? While there can be other causes for it, that putrid flavor can be a sign that your gums are not healthy.

4. Bad breath

Halitosis or bad breath can be a symptom of sick gums, too. If you have persistent bad breath, consider talking to your dentist to see if it is something that can be fixed.

5. Loose teeth

Unfortunately, when left untreated, gum disease can spread and become worse. It may even begin to affect the roots of your teeth, loosening them. This makes it difficult to carry on your daily activities and can be quite uncomfortable.

6. Gum abscesses

The same bacteria causing tooth decay and gum disease, can create infections in the gums. These may turn into pockets of infection that puff up the gums and fill with pus. Abscesses can be dangerous because the infection can be carried throughout the body via the blood. It’s essential that any infection in the gums is treated immediately.

7. Receding gums

Over time, if the issues are not dealt with, your gums can actually start to pull away from your teeth and recede. Not only does this look bad, it is also a sign that the gum disease has advanced considerably.

Treating Gum Disease

It’s not advisable to treat gum disease at home, since it can get worse rather rapidly. This is a situation where you need to see your dentist and get the proper treatment. However, it’s possible to prevent these problems by paying careful attention to your oral health.

A good brushing and flossing routine is part of keeping your mouth healthy. You should also make sure to see your dentist regularly for scaling and cleaning. Any potential issues will be noticed during these checkups and can be dealt with before the gum disease is out of control.

Have you noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above? Book an appointment with us today to ensure your oral health is up to par.