Gum disease, or periodontitis, affects the majority of Americans — some 75 percent, actually. Can you believe that? At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we think it’s especially shocking considering how easy it is to prevent the condition. Fortunately, treatment is easy, too. Keep reading for the top five signs you’re suffering from gum disease — and what to do if you are!
Watch out for these five gum disease warning signs
If you’re suffering from one or more of these side effects of gum disease, your mouth is trying to tell you something. Listen to it!
#1: Bleeding gums
Do your gums frequently bleed after brushing or flossing? If so, that’s the surest sign you’re dealing with infected gums. We like to point out that you probably wouldn’t ignore mysterious bleeding in any other area of the body — so why wouldn’t you pay attention to bleeding gums?
#2: Bad breath
All the bacteria that causes the gums to be infected doesn’t smell great. Everyone deals with occasional breath odor, but if you’re suffering from chronically foul breath, that could be a sign you’re dealing with gum disease.
#3: Red, swollen or tender gums
Additionally, if your gums appear different than they always have (like when they’re red, puffy or tender to the touch), you’re probably dealing with gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and normally cause little to no sensitivity.
#4: Gum recession
If your gums appear to be pulling away from the teeth, or receding, you can be sure something’s not right. Sometimes recession is caused by aggressive toothbrushing, but it’s also a common indicator of gum disease. Be on the lookout for teeth that appear too long as a result of that receding gum line, or teeth that are sensitive at the top due to exposed roots.
#5: Painful chewing
When your teeth and gums are as healthy as they should be, you don’t experience any pain while eating. But when chewing becomes more difficult due to pain or sensitivity, you’ll know something’s not right.
Seek gum disease treatment in Hartford!
Gum disease in its earliest stages is the condition we call gingivitis, and it’s usually easy to reverse with extra-vigilant brushing, flossing and a few more visits to the family dentist in Hartford CT.
But if your gum disease has reached later stages, you need to make an appointment with the doctors at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield! We’ll perform the periodontal treatment you and your gums need to help you enjoy healthy, beautiful teeth for a lifetime.