What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is one of the most serious problems that can compromise oral health. It is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque that forms biofilm, a type of film that adheres to the surface of the teeth, deposited in the space where the tooth meets the gum (gingival sulcus). It is essentially caused by poor oral hygiene. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first and most common form of gum disease, which is characterized by swollen, red, or bleeding gums. This is your first sign that you need to see a dentist.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a much more serious form of disease. This stage affects all the tissues around the tooth (periodontium) that provide support, causing bone resorption, gum retraction, and, as a consequence, tooth softening and loss. Generally, the gums move away from the teeth, favoring contamination by bacteria and the development of tartar.

Periodontitis can become complicated and turn into bacterial endocarditis, which is dangerous because, in this case, the bacteria that live in the periodontal pockets can spread into the bloodstream.

5 signs of gum disease

It is very important that the dentist is always attentive to the characteristics of the gums, because when a disease is detected in its initial stages, early treatment will be more efficient.

Some of the main signs that may indicate gum disease are:

1. ### Darker coloration and swelling

A change in gum color can be one of the quickest symptoms to detect. Although there may be some changes in color depending on your ethnic background, in general, healthy gums are a uniform pink or coral color. In contrast, when gums are diseased, they have a more reddish, even purplish pigment and tend to become swollen and larger in volume.

It is important that you are also aware of symptoms such as bleeding, so that you can seek professional help in time. This information is important because bleeding during brushing or flossing may indicate gum disease.

This happens because, in gingivitis, for example, there is a build-up of bacterial plaque that, when accumulated, irritates the gums, which leads to bleeding during brushing.

1. ### Persistent bad breath

Due to the presence of bacterial plaque on the gum line and around the teeth, it is common for patients with gum disease to have persistent bad breath.

Furthermore, in more advanced stages of periodontitis, the periodontal pockets become deeper, which favors the accumulation of residues, which can contribute to bad breath.

1. ### Increased sensitivity

Another common symptom that patients may report is increased sensitivity in the gums. This can cause pain and discomfort when touched and when eating or drinking very hot or cold foods and drinks.

Finally, a characteristic of more advanced stages of gum disease is gum recession. Periodontitis is characterized by the destruction of the bone and tissue that support the teeth, which can lead to gum recession, or the moving back of gum tissue.

The signs of gum disease are a warning to make an appointment with your dentist. Early detection is key to fighting gum disease. Make an appointment with us today if you think you might have gum disease, and we will work with you to find the best solution that fits your case. Contact us now!

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