5 Warning Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gum diseases are common and sometimes these gum diseases come and go away without having to treat them but sometimes if they are left untreated they can become a huge problem and result in tooth and bone loss.
Periodontal gum disease is one of the common bacterial infections that is caused by plaque, is one of the most destructive dental infections and can spread to other teeth and cause tooth decay.
Gum Swelling and Redness. The first and foremost symptom to look for is swelling and redness. These infections, gum disease trigger an immune system response and the body releases antibodies to fight the bacteria and this causes redness in the gums. This redness is a natural response from your body to attack the bacteria. The ensuing battle results in inflammation (swelling) and a darker redness to the gum tissues that don’t lessen with time.
Gum Bleeding. Swelling is still fine and the inflammation may reduce with the passage of time but bleeding from the gums is a serious issue. Beeding is not a common condition of healthy gums and when you see inflammation and bleeding of gums you have to go consult a doctor. It might also happen that the belling might be caused by over-aggressive brushing but more likely it means the tissues have weakened to such an extent by infection they bleed easily.
Tooth Sensitivity. The sensitivity of teeth is also a common red flag that indicates an infection or a gum disease. People have sensitive teeth naturally but if you experience abnormal pain or heightened sensitivity you need to consult a doctor.
Sensitivity can cause a shot of pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold or when you bite down, this could mean infected gums have “drawn back” (receded) from the teeth. This sensitivity is caused by gum recession that exposes the tooth roots, which are more sensitive to temperature and pressure changes in the mouth.
An Abscess. As the infection starts spreading you can experience weakened gums. The gum tissues lose their power to hold the teeth in their place and the tissues detach from the tooth, there develops a thin gap between them, and the tooth deepens to form a void known as a periodontal pocket.
This often results in an abscess where pus collects in the pocket and causes it to appear more swollen and red than nearby tissues. It is important to treat the abscess and reduce the swelling because the pus and the infection in the abscess can worsen the condition of the gum and accelerate bone loss.
Tooth Looseness or Movement. The gum inflammation and swelling are also a serious threat because once the gums lose the power to hold the teeth in place, the teeth begin to move and they can even fall out. With loose gums, the infection starts to seep into the roots faster and can infect the whole jaw.
As diseased gum tissue causes loss of gum and bone attachment, the affected teeth will start to feel loose or even move to a different position. This is a late and alarming sign of gum disease — without immediate intervention, you’re in danger of losing the tooth.
If you encounter any of these signs, contact us for an examination as soon as possible. The sooner we can diagnose gum disease and begin treatment, the less damage it will cause — and the better your odds of regaining healthy teeth and gums.
If you would like more information on gum disease, please contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Comments
Post a Comment