What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?
Gum disease is an extremely common condition that affects the periodontal tissues that surround and support the teeth. While early gum disease is reversible, gum disease that has been allowed to progress can eventually damage tissues to the point of tooth loss, bone loss, and more substantial health complications. Recognizing and addressing early signs of gum disease and maintaining effective oral hygiene habits can prevent the long-term destruction caused by advanced gum disease. Because gum disease may have minimal, if any, symptoms early on, make sure you see your dentist for regular checkups; these routine evaluations are often the first place where symptoms are noticed. When symptoms do present, there are a few that occur more commonly than others.
One of the clearest, earliest signs of gum disease is noticeable inflammation in the gums. In fact, the word “gingivitis” means, literally, “inflamed gums.” When the gums are healthy, they should appear pink, firm, and somewhat shiny. Infected gums appear red, sometimes vividly so, and are visibly puffy or swollen. They may often be sensitive to the touch, especially while brushing or flossing, and they may also bleed easily while brushing or flossing. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, and this continues for more than a few days, see your dentist, as this could indicate inflammation.
The bacteria that cause gum disease continue to proliferate, metabolizing foul-smelling toxins that cause offensive breath and leave a bad taste in the mouth. Because the teeth and gums become more difficult to clean as gum disease progresses, trapped food debris contributes to this foul odor, and when the tissues are infected with pus, new smells and tastes develop. Gradually, as gingivitis advances, the gums pull away from the surfaces of the teeth, increasing sensitivity in the tooth and exposing more of the teeth to the damaging elements that lead to tooth decay. If you notice that your teeth appear longer than normal, see your dentist. This could be a sign that your gums are receding due to gum disease, but it can also indicate that you are damaging your gum tissue by brushing too aggressively or with an improper motion, and your dentist will figure out the best approach to solving the problem.
As gum disease progresses and the gums continue to recede, the result is deep periodontal pockets between the gums and teeth. Dentists probe for the depth measurements of these periodontal pockets to determine the extent of periodontal disease during routine periodontal examinations. When chronic inflammation is allowed to spread into the tissues that support the teeth, like the bone and connective ligaments, the teeth may begin to shift out of alignment or loosen. This can further interfere with the ability to effectively clean the teeth, and it can also affect the bite, or occlusion, making chewing uncomfortable. If you wear dentures, these changes can be expected to affect their fit, and subtle changes will continue as the supporting bone and tissue are destroyed by inflammation. While gum disease isn’t always painful early on, it commonly becomes uncomfortable, if not painful, to chew as the condition progresses and more teeth and tissue are destroyed. While gum disease might be nearly undetectable early on, and while early symptoms may not seem serious, preventing the condition from advancing should be a priority. With regular dental checkups, routine professional cleanings, and a diligent home hygiene routine, you can do your part to prevent gum disease and preserve your oral health.