Gum disease is becoming increasingly common throughout the UK in all age groups, including young adults. You may start to see signs of gum disease if you do not maintain good oral hygiene or if you overbrush your teeth. You might also be at risk if you experience stress, if you have diabetes or HIV, or if you smoke or are pregnant. Then, it is important to know what the most common signs of gum disease are.
Bleeding
Most people will start to notice the first signs of gum disease when their gums begin to bleed. Although bleeding gums can occur if you knock them when you brush your teeth or if you have not flossed for a while, if your gums bleed regularly, this could be a sign of a more urgent issue. You can tell if your gums are bleeding if you spit out blood when you brush or if your brush comes away red or pink after your oral hygiene routine. In some extreme cases, you may begin to notice pus between your teeth, which could be an indicator of infection.
Swelling
When you have gum disease, your gums might also start to swell or become raised. If your gums are swollen, they may be tender to the touch or might be bright red. You might also notice your gums begin to recede over time, and if this happens, you should make sure that you visit a dentist immediately to make sure that your receding gums do not worsen. For instance, at Gentle Dental Care, their gum treatment can help you to ensure your mouth is healthy and disease-free for many years to come.
Sensitivity
Gum and tooth sensitivity can be a sign of many dental problems, such as the erosion of your enamel, shrinking gums that are leaving exposed roots or tooth grinding. However, one of the most common causes of sensitivity is gum disease. To prevent sensitivity while you get to the root of the problem, you should consider swapping your toothpaste out for a dentist-approved alternative that can help to reduce your discomfort. As well as sensitivity, you could also start to notice painful ulcers.
Bad Breath
If you are starting to feel conscious of your breath and believe that it may carry an unseemly odour, you should consider whether gum disease might be the cause of this bad breath. This occurs when gum disease allows the teeth to detach from the gums and leave holes where bacteria can breed. Some people might also notice a metallic taste in their mouth. When you experience the effects of bad breath, you can reduce these by using mouthwash, replacing your toothbrush regularly, using an interdental brush, and keeping hydrated.
Discolouration
Lastly, discolouration of your gums may indicate gum disease, and they may become scarlet red or even purple. You must check the colour of your gums to prevent your teeth from becoming loose or falling out, which can happen if the condition is left untreated by a professional.
