Did you know that 75% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease? Luckily, if caught early enough, these periodontal issues are easily treated. However, if untreated, gum disease can lead to a number of health complications including heart disease, respiratory illness, stroke, premature birth, and more. Therefore, in order to avoid becoming a part of this staggering statistic, it is important to know the warning signs of the disease so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are just a few symptoms of gum disease to be on the lookout for.
If you have bad breath that won’t go away…
Bad breath can be a warning sign of quite a few health issues, including gum disease. If you smell something similar to that of rotting apples or alcohol on your breath, it may be caused by a bacteria beneath your gum tissue. It is difficult to clean out this bacteria with a toothbrush or floss, but a dental professional will be able to help you with the issue.
If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss…
Have you ever noticed your gums begin to bleed while you floss? Many write this off as a symptom of flossing too hard, when in fact this is a sign of gingivitis — the earliest phase of gum disease. If you notice this warning sign, be sure to schedule an appointment with Manus Dental as soon as possible, as this is the most treatable stage of gum disease.
If your teeth appear longer…
If you notice little black triangles between your teeth, these are small spaces that could signify your gums are receding. Receding gums are a major warning sign for gum disease, and should not be taken lightly.
If your teeth feel loose…
Do your teeth move slightly when you press your tongue or finger against them? This is a sign of weakened gum tissue and could mean that your gum disease is progressing.
If your teeth feel abnormally sensitive…
When gums recede, it exposes the root of the tooth. This makes your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold. That said, there are a number of reasons why you could be experiencing dental sensitivity. Therefore, if it hurts to eat or drink hot and cold foods, be sure to visit your dentist straight away to confirm that gum disease is not the culprit.
Even if you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, it is still important that you take the necessary steps to prevent this disease from occurring. Luckily, gum disease is quite easy to prevent. Firstly, be certain to maintain a proper dental hygiene routine—brushing at least twice a day and flossing every night—to eliminate bacteria that can later irritate or inflame the gums. Quitting smoking is also key to preventing gum disease, as smokers are twice as likely to have periodontal issues. Taking vitamins is also quite helpful, as those who have higher levels of vitamin D are 20% less likely to get gingivitis, plus calcium is hugely beneficial to your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Finally, be sure to schedule a dental check-up at least two times per year. This will allow us to catch any early signs of gum disease and take the necessary measures to treat and prevent periodontal issues down the road.
Ready to schedule your appointment at Manus Dental to help prevent gum disease? Call our Lake Zurich, Hyde Park, or Yorkville offices today!