Common early warning signs of gum disease

Gum maintenance is a vital aspect of oral hygiene. Identifying related diseases at an early stage is important for our health and wellbeing. In this article, we consider the early indicators that your gums might be infected.

Who is impacted by gum disease?

Gum disease affects millions of people globally. It can be caused by a wide range of factors such as neglect of basic oral health maintenance, although there is evidence that some people are more prone than others.

Variants include periodontitis, which is a serious infection or inflammation of the gums, and gingivitis, which is a less extreme version of gum disease. It is caused by the continual buildup of bacterial plaque in the mouth. If not addressed by effective brushing and flossing, a sticky and harmful film will form around teeth and irritate gum tissue.

Symptoms

Symptoms include loose teeth, bad breath or halitosis, swelling, unpleasant taste and different degrees of mouth bleeding, depending on the severity of the condition. Bleeding gums can become particularly noticeable during brushing or flossing or after eating a hard food such as an apple.

You should also look out for gums that are red, swollen or puffy, or which acquire a purple colour instead of pale pink. Gum recession is another telltale sign, where teeth appear longer due to gums withdrawing from teeth.

There are also instances in which early gum disease may be indicated by changes in tooth position, bite or teeth misalignments when you open or close your mouth.

Identifying problematic symptoms is a vital aspect of teeth cleaning, which will help dental professionals assess the scale of the problem and to prevent further complications down the line. It is important to consult a dental professional even if the problem appears trivial or fleeting.

There may be situations where urgent dental intervention is required, particularly if you or your child find lumps, ulcers, red patches or very wobbly teeth. If you are concerned about your oral health and think you might need gum disease treatment in Chester, call our team at Art of Dental Care now to make an appointment.