Gum disease can affect your health in major ways. Also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, gum disease affects a large number of the population and it has been receiving an increasing amount of mentions in the press.
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissues in the oral cavity. Without treatment, it can destroy the bone that supports the teeth and can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. The bacteria causing gum disease may also enter the bloodstream to possibly cause further complications in other parts of the body. Fortunately, gum disease is largely preventable with good oral hygiene routines and getting routine dental checkups.
To keep your oral health and to help prevent other major health issues, it’s important to keep an eye out for health warning signs related to gum disease. Here are some signs that you may be developing periodontitis.
Loose Teeth
If you notice that you have a loose tooth or teeth without having suffered from a trauma or other dental injury, it could be a sign of an underlying disease of the gums.
Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If your gums bleed easily or are swollen and puffy, it is a sign of unhealthy gums. If you see blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, gingivitis, or gum disease could be a concern. Although not all gingivitis is a sign of gum disease, all cases of gum disease begin with gingivitis.
Gum Pain and Gum Sores
Look out for gums that are bright red or purplish or gums that feel tender when touched. You shouldn’t be experiencing pain while chewing. If you experience any pain in the gums or you notice gum sores, you should have these issues investigated by a dentist. It may be due to an abscessed tooth or it may be a sign of gum disease. It’s also important for a dentist to screen for oral cancer at this stage.
Other Signs to Watch Out For
Look out for bad breath, pus between the teeth and gums, or new spaces developing between the teeth. In cases of periodontitis, the gums may also recede and make your teeth look longer than what is typical.
Other Health Risks Associated with Gum Disease
If you’ve had a warning from your doctor about your risk levels of a stroke or heart disease, you should pay extra attention to keeping your gums healthy. Poor gum health can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Having diabetes can also be another concern. Poor gum health can make blood sugar level control difficult. Diabetics can have an increased chance of developing gum disease and this can lead to the destruction of teeth and other health issues.
Without controlling gum disease once it has been diagnosed, losing teeth could become a reality. You could also be putting yourself at a greater risk of linked conditions. It’s possible to reduce your risk of developing gum disease with regular oral health hygiene routines such as brushing, flossing. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning can also greatly reduce your chances of developing it. The sooner you seek gum disease treatment, the better your chances of reversing the damages.
If you have noticed any signs or symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment to visit your dentist in Klamath Falls. If you’re concerned about gum disease, speak to your dentist at your next check-up. Klamath Smiles offers treatment for gum disease along with other dentistry services. Contact us to protect your healthy smile and help reduce your chances of issues linked with gum disease.
