The human body has a peculiar way of telling us that something is wrong with our health!
Gum disease is the least expected but prevalent condition today. Gum problems usually appear in the form of infection in the tissues that surround your teeth and holds them in place. Statistically speaking, nearly 75% of Americans tend to develop gum diseases before 35 years of age! In fact, poor gum health is also believed to be a prominent cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum problems can affect people of all age groups and can even result in major health consequences. In many cases, gum conditions are linked to heart diseases, strokes, respiratory illnesses, complications with diabetes, and premature birth. Because of that, it is important to be educated about their symptoms so that early treatment can minimize the associated risks.
Here are 5 telltale signs that warn you of threatening gum disease.
Red Gums Is The Red Flag
A look at your gums can tell you whether they are healthy! Healthy gums should look pink and firm. If you find redness in any area, it is a sign of poor gum health. Redness in your gums can either mean that you are brushing too hard or you are not brushing properly at all. Red gums can be a warning sign of severe gum inflammation, or it can even turn out to be a serious gum disease or infection.
Don’t Ignore Swollen Gums
Ideally, gums have a firm appearance. Gums are a composition of thick, fibrous tissues that are full of blood vessels. If any patch of tissues swells, they may look red and bulge out. Usually, the swelling starts from the point where the gum meets your teeth. It is triggered by the growth of bacteria produced due to pregnancy, malnutrition, or infection primarily because of poor oral health.
Bleeding Gums Can Be Alarming
Sometimes, gums can bleed if we brush or floss too hard. However, if blood drips out while eating or for no apparent reason whatsoever, it is likely that you have gum disease. If any day you notice a distinct metallic taste in your mouth or you can see blood on your teeth or gums, head straight to your dentist.
Check For Receding Gums
Another tattletale sign of gum disease is the receding of gums. It is a condition in which gaps form between the gums and teeth, providing a hiding and breeding place for disease-causing bacteria. Again, brushing rigorously or grinding teeth during traumatic episodes are some of the prominent reasons for gum receding.
Formation Of Pus
A dental abscess or tooth abscess is a condition identified by the buildup of pus inside the gums. Usually, the underlying reason for pus formation is a bacterial infection. This pus buildup can result in excruciating pain, fever, and bad taste in the mouth. Besides these slight discomforts, dental abscesses or pus can also be a sign of gum disease. The bacteria stored in them can lead to serious gum infection and other diseases.
Gums require good dental care and regular hygiene maintenance to prevent the above symptoms from getting worse or recurring. However, certain types of gum disease give no warning signs. That’s why Abingdon Box Hill Dentistry emphasizes the need for regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations for people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, call us at 410-569-8500 today!
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