When bacteria infects your gums and the tissues around your teeth and mouth, you get gum disease. Gum disease affects over 50 percent of adults and is responsible for about 70 percent of cases of adult tooth loss. So, how do you know if you have gum disease?
The First Symptom of Gum Disease
You notice your gums bleed easily when you brush your teeth. This is the initial phase of gum disease known as gingivitis. This can develop into periodontitis, when the infections spread to the tissues and bones that hold the teeth. Your gums gradually pull back from the teeth. This creates deep pockets surrounding the teeth to collect more bacteria.
The common gum disease symptoms in the early stage includes red or dark red gums, swollen gums, sore or tender gums, and bleeding gums.
In severe cases, you will encounter:
- Receding gums
- Strong or persistent bad breath
- Teeth are sensitive to either hot or cold
- Loose or shaky teeth
- Changes in the bite or position of teeth
- Dentures and other dental appliance do not fit well
- Abscess in between gums and teeth
If you discover the slightest symptom or symptoms of gum disease, immediately visit your dentist. Only a dental professional can give you an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms with type of gum disease and best treatment.
To determine if you have gum disease, your dentist will examine your gums thoroughly for the following:
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
- Accumulation of tartar or calculus above and beneath the gum line
- Receding tissues
- Pockets or gaps between teeth and gums
Your dentist may need to x-ray your mouth and teeth to ascertain if there is any bone corrosion.
You may not be able to identify the symptoms of gum disease. Most of the symptoms barely cause discomfort or pain. Therefore, you may not even take notice of it. For this reason, you need regular dental checkups to detect any symptoms of gum disease and avoid gum disease. Early detection of the disease makes it easier to manage.