4 Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and can affect your overall health. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease affects roughly 80% of the population, but early signs can easily be prevented with routine dental care and good hygiene habits at home. Good oral hygiene can keep plaque from building up on your teeth and causing gum inflammation.

Here are some of the common symptoms of this disease:

Bleeding While Brushing

One of the first signs of gum disease is bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth. If your gums are bleeding, it’s usually a sign that you have gingivitis.

At a glance, you may not notice your gums bleeding when brushing and flossing. But if you examine your teeth and gums closely in the mirror after brushing and flossing, you may notice some blood on the tips of your fingers. You may need a closer look with an oral mirror to see the extent of the bleeding.

Persistent Bad Breath

Most cases of gum disease are reversible with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. However, when left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and serious health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Bad breath is one of the symptoms, and if it doesn’t go away with regular brushing and flossing, then you need to see the dentist.

Pain While Chewing

If gum disease is advanced, it can damage the tissue and bones in your mouth. The gums can pull away from your teeth and cause pockets to form between your gums and teeth. This can cause sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks; you may notice pain when biting down, speaking, or even breathing in cold air.

Common symptoms of inflammation include redness of the gums, swollen gums that may bleed, gums that are painful to the touch, bad breath, dry mouth, sore throat, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Receding Gums

Receding gums is often the first sign of gum disease and is a sign that your gums are not healthy. Healthy gums are firm and pink – if you have receding gums, it is time to make an appointment with us! If you aren’t sure if your gum recession is normal or a sign of more serious problems, call your dentist for an evaluation.

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.