Gum Disease Symptoms
While teeth get most of the attention, your gums are the other half of good oral health. Much like soil, they anchor and support your teeth in the jaw — and shield them against plaque and bacteria. But gums are vulnerable too. Here are the symptoms to watch for.
Persistent Bad Breath
While it may be normal to have bad breath in the morning after sleeping all night, that bad breath — especially after brushing or using mouthwash — should not persist. If it does, that may mean that your gums are infected, and the bacteria inside are producing infected or rotting matter, causing your bad breath. Even mouthwash can only temporarily remove this, as the infection continues working all day.
Don't Mask It
Persistent bad breath often points to an underlying gum infection — see a dentist to treat the cause.
Signs Your Gums May Be Infected
Bleeding Gums
If you brush your teeth and notice that your gums bleed regularly, but you're not experiencing any pain, this may mean you have gingivitis. This is one of the earliest and least intense forms of gum disease. Gingivitis only affects the topmost layer of your gums and can be treated at home with diligent oral care. If your gums continue to bleed on a regular basis, this is probably due to an infection.
Receding Gums
If you find that your mouth is looking "toothier" than before, this may mean a receding gum line, which is likely due to gum disease. A receding gum line simply means that your gums are shrinking. They are not receiving the nutrients they require to surround your teeth and are gradually being worn away. This is a serious symptom — see a dentist right away to stop the damage from getting worse.
Pain
If you find that your mouth hurts when you chew, there can be any number of reasons, but one of them can be gum disease. If your gums become tender or swollen, this can make them far more sensitive, and even the act of eating can cause discomfort.
Loose Teeth
This is another serious symptom. If you find that your teeth are moving slightly when you chew or move your mouth, it means your gums are likely infected. While this doesn't necessarily mean your teeth are going to just fall out of your mouth, neglecting this symptom may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Noticing Any of These Symptoms?
Gum disease is not difficult to treat, but it does require a little extra care to return your gums to normal health. Contact our Richmond TX dental team today and explain your concerns.