Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues within the mouth. Many people suffer from a form of gum disease without even realizing it. The gums often get overlooked during oral hygiene, which can make it easy to miss the signs. Keep reading to learn more about what the signs look like.
Outlined below are a few common signs of gum disease. It is helpful to be aware of these signs to help identify gum disease.
Many individuals experience minor bleeding from time to time when brushing or flossing, which is normal. However, if there is excessive bleeding or if the gums bleed every time oral hygiene is practiced, then gum disease may be present. Using salt water to rinse the mouth can help stop the bleeding; however, this is not a long-term solution. Gum disease treatment will be required in order to address the infection and stop excessive bleeding.
Swelling and inflammation are two of the major indicators that gum disease is present. The gums are supposed to appear soft, but any puffiness or areas that appear raised may be a sign that there is an infection. Individuals who feel that their gums appear abnormal can gently touch their gums to see if there is swelling or inflammation. When waiting for an appointment with a general dentist, it can be helpful to rinse with salt water as it can help reduce inflammation.
When the soft tissues of the mouth appear to be red or white in color, it is most likely a sign that gum disease is present. Healthy gums should appear pink with no patches or spots of white or red. Patches of discoloration may indicate an abscess or buildup of fluid behind the soft tissues, which can result in a more serious infection if not treated.
One of the main signs of gum disease is discomfort, which may result in feelings of pain or soreness. The pain may feel sharp and soreness may feel achy. Both can be remedied with an over-the-counter medication until an appointment with a general dentist is made; however, further treatment will most likely be necessary, as pain is never a good sign.
Individuals who have gum disease often have foul breath. The infection that lies beneath the gums can produce an odor, which is not pleasant. Any signs of bad breath may indicate gum disease or tooth infection.
Gum disease is a serious condition that should never go ignored. It is important to immediately consult with a general dentist as soon as any of the signs listed above are noticed. An evaluation can be performed in order to determine the appropriate course of action. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a consultation. We are here to help get your gum disease under control!
Request an appointment here: https://drkathie.net or call Kathie Allen, DDS at (941) 893-4153 for an appointment in our Venice office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum disease in Venice, FL.
Want to understand what gum disease can do to one’s mouth? Once someone is diagnosed with this oral disease, there are many ways it can cause them to experience bad overall dental health. Patients who are diagnosed can ask their general dentist any specific questions they have about preventing and treating gum disease, as prevention…
Some people may not realize how improper oral care can have a negative impact on their overall health. Untreated tooth decay does not heal without treatment and usually worsens over time. When those with multiple cavities ignore their dental needs, they may be putting themselves at risk for a variety of other medical problems, some…
Dental veneers can enhance your smile in a significant way. Research shows that even Hollywood stars get these restorations for a quick but lasting transformation. Discussing the right shade with your dentist will allow you to get the results you want. Here are the benefits of getting dental veneers that you must consider.These restorations are…
A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may have sustained damage or blemishes. Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell at a glance…
Dental veneers can enhance your smile in a significant way. Research shows that even Hollywood stars get these restorations for a quick but lasting transformation. Discussing the right shade with your dentist will allow you to get the results you want. Here are the benefits of getting dental veneers that you must consider.These restorations are…
A person’s smile is one of the first things that they show off to the world, and a dental crown is one way to bolster that smile and restore teeth that may have sustained damage or blemishes. Dental crowns look similar to natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell at a glance…