A lot of people suffer from gum disease but don’t actually realize it, but thankfully, we are here to help! Gum disease is an unfortunate and harmful infection that affects the gums in a person’s mouth. Are you wondering if you have gum disease? In this article, we go over what gum disease is and how to tell if you have it. Being aware of what gum disease looks and feels like can be helpful if you think you may be suffering from it. Read more to find out more about gum disease as well as how to determine whether or not you have it.
First and foremost, it is important to understand what exactly gum disease is.
Gum disease is a general term because there are a lot of different bacterial infections that can affect the gums. However, in general, when the gums are infected, it ends up causing disease if it doesn’t get treated. Another name for gum disease is periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory condition of the gums and the supporting bone. There are two types of gum disease that most commonly affect people - gingivitis and periodontitis.
These are the most common signs that may indicate that you have gum disease. A lot of these signs go unnoticed, but they are definitely red flags.
One of the biggest signs that you have gum disease is if your gums are bleeding. Bleeding gums indicate that there is an infection present. While some light bleeding is normal, the gums should never bleed continuously or every time you brush your teeth.
Another thing to be aware of is receding gums. When the gums begin to pull back, which may make the teeth look longer, the gums are beginning to recede. Dentists cannot reverse receding gums and they need to address them immediately.
One sign that most people don’t notice is that of bad breath. Often times, it gets blamed on lack of oral hygiene or eating too much garlic, but if bad breath is continuous, it may indicate that gum disease is present. When the gums are diseased, it is due to bacterial growth. The bacterial growth will cause the entire mouth to smell foul.
If you notice that your gums are extremely red and swollen, then it may indicate that the gums have an infection. Any inflammation, swelling or red coloring may mean that the gums aren’t in the best shape possible. The gums are supposed to be pink and strong, not red and tender.
If you’re fearing that your gums have an infection, then it may be best to consult with a dentist or periodontist. Any of these signs may indicate that you do have gum disease and it needs immediate attention. We are here to help! Whether you have questions or concerns, we can be of assistance. Give us a call or stop by our office.
Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A broken tooth can happen at any time — during sports, while eating, or from an unexpected fall. Regardless of the cause, an emergency dentist can help. Through prompt treatment, these dental providers offer an effective way to relieve pain and protect oral health. An emergency dentist can also help prevent complications like infection, nerve…
Traditional braces are one of the most effective orthodontic solutions for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues. Many individuals are surprised to learn that receiving traditional braces from a general dentist can be a convenient and effective way to improve their smile. General dentists with additional training in orthodontics can provide comprehensive care, guiding patients…
Root canal therapy is an effective way to restore infected teeth. However, like any procedure, there are cases where complications arise and the treated tooth may not heal as expected. It is important to know the signs of root canal failure so that you can get the tooth treated again as soon as possible. Addressing…
Deep dental cleaning is a way to treat severe cases of gum disease. However, it is not always necessary for all cases of gum disease. By understanding when and why a dentist recommends a deep dental cleaning, you can feel more comfortable throughout the consultation and treatment process. Every dentist utilizes deep dental cleaning differently and…
A broken tooth can happen at any time — during sports, while eating, or from…
Traditional braces are one of the most effective orthodontic solutions for straightening teeth and correcting…
Root canal therapy is an effective way to restore infected teeth.
Every dentist utilizes deep dental cleaning differently and may have their own process for performing…
A general dentist emphasizes the importance of both daily and professional care in maintaining oral…
Do Dental Appliances Work for Sleep Apnea?|Custom-made dental appliances are effective for treating mild to…