Symptoms of Gum DiseaseGum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting Americans, and it is also one of the most serious. It is the number one cause of tooth loss among American adults, so being aware of the symptoms of gum disease can help you maintain the health of your smile. Here are some of the most common symptoms that we see at Florida Smiles Dental. Recessive GumsRecessive gums means that your gumline, where your gums frame your teeth at either the top or bottom, is retreating. This can be one of the trickier symptoms to spot, but is also one of the earlier signs of gum disease. One tip is to look at your teeth instead of your gums. If it looks like your teeth are getting longer, or if they seem uneven as a recent development, then your gums may be receding. Recessive gums make it more difficult to clean out bacteria, and a professional cleaning may be necessary. Gums That HurtEasier to recognize than receding gums are gums that hurt when you brush. They may still look like a healthy pink, or they may have a red hue and look swollen and inflamed. It is common for sensitive gums to bleed when you brush, which is something that will never happen to gums that are in good health. If you do notice blood in the sink, then you likely have gum disease, and you should make an appointment to deal with it before the symptoms get worse. Chronic HalitosisHalitosis, or bad breath, usually is a temporary condition and goes away after brushing or with a bit of mouthwash. When it sticks around, even right after brushing or taking a breath mint, then halitosis may be a symptom of advancing gum disease. While you may not notice your own bad breath, halitosis as a symptom of gum disease can leave an unappetizing taste in your mouth even hours after your last meal. Teeth That Wiggle or Fall OutOne of the final symptoms of severely advanced gum disease, and a sign that the disease has spread out of control, is when teeth are loose in your mouth and eventually start falling out. This will be easy to notice, and you may be able to wiggle your teeth with just your tongue if your gums have eroded enough. You will also see gaps between your teeth that were not there before. Treating the Symptoms of Gum DiseaseMild symptoms of gum disease are relatively easy, fast, and simple to fix. If your only symptoms are gums that are sensitive to the touch or when brushing, it is likely a simple matter of restoring your oral hygiene with a professional cleaning. The worse the symptoms are, the more complex and time-consuming treatment can be. Eventually, treatment will require surgery and other more invasive methods. Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?If you do, then they could be a sign of gum disease. To find out, call 754-354-0363 and schedule a consultation with Florida Smiles Dental. |