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Do you have soreness in your mouth when you brush your teeth? Or have you noticed that you have started to spit blood after you clean your teeth? These symptoms could be a sign of gum disease.
Gum disease is a very common condition that affects many of our patients, and the risk associated with having it tends to worsen with age. It is caused by an accumulation of plaque in the mouth, leading to inflammation and damage to the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, this disease can lead to tooth loss and even jawbone loss. Yikes!
When you come to see our dentist in St Albans at UK Dental Specialists, as part of a standard check-up, we will always assess the condition of your gums, as well as measure the gingival pockets underneath them. If we suspect that there is an issue, we will refer you to our hygienist for a scale and polish, and we can even prescribe a medicated mouthwash too. Great!
So, in this article, our dentist in St Albans will discuss 5 signs of gum disease that you should know about. Enjoy!
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are one of the most common signs of gum disease. If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, it is important to see our dentist in St Albans as soon as possible. Bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease or may be due to incorrect brushing techniques. At this stage, the damage can be reversed with proper dental care from our team and, of course, a scale and polish from our hygiene team!
Receding gums
Receding gums is another sign of gum disease; this occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s surface or even the tooth root. Receding gums can make the teeth look longer and lead to sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It can also lead to tooth loss if left untreated. If you notice that your gums are pulling back or your teeth look longer, make an appointment with our team.
Persistent bad breath
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of gum disease; this is because the bacteria that multiply and cause gum disease also produce a foul odour. If you have tried improving your oral hygiene and your bad breath persists, it may be time to see our team for a check-up.
Loose teeth
If your teeth feel loose or are shifting out of place, it may be a sign of gum disease; this occurs when the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth are damaged by the bacteria that cause gum disease. If left untreated, the teeth can eventually become so loose that they fall out. If you notice that your teeth feel loose, you need to see our team immediately.
Discomfort in the gums
Soreness or discomfort around the gumline is another sign of gum disease; this can occur when the gums are inflamed or infected. If you notice that your gums are painful or tender, make an appointment with us promptly, and we will be able to examine your gums and recommend a course of treatment.