Accumulated bacteria don’t always come for your teeth; they can also build up around surrounding tissue and attack your gums. This condition, known as periodontal disease, is one of the most prevalent among US adults, affecting four out of ten people around the country. Luckily, this oral problem is easy to spot, showing symptoms that range from bad breath to retracted, bleeding gums. Learn about the visible signs of gum disease that indicate it’s time to contact your dentist and get periodontal care in Candler, NC.
Common Symptoms of Gum Diseases
Bad Breath
When not even a minty mouthwash can take care of the foul odor coming out of your mouth, you might be facing a case of gum disease. Every time you have breakfast or dinner, you ingest different bacteria that stay inside your mouth. If you don’t make a habit out of brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and visiting your dentists, these substances lay waste on your gums and teeth and severely infect the tissue.
Over time, this situation leads to a tooth abscess that can cause bad breath and explicitly signals you should see a dental professional.
Swollen Gums
If you’re in doubt about suffering from periodontal disease, always check your upper and lower gums for swelling. The main function of your gum line is to cover vulnerable sections of your teeth and stop dangerous bacteria from accessing your tooth nerves.
Even though your immune system prepares your gums to battle food remains and acids, not caring for your mouth lowers your gum’s defenses. As a result, bacteria can easily penetrate your gum barrier and reach the tooth pulp. When your gums have undergone such damage, they swell and require immediate dental care.
Bleeding
Seeing blood after you brush your teeth isn’t a laughing matter, as it’s another common indicator of bad periodontal health. Unremoved bacteria inside your mouth hardens as time goes by, pushing your gums back and making them bleed. You can quickly take care of blood in the short term by swishing and spitting water. Yet, if you don’t take bleeding as a warning to schedule a dentist visit, the issue will worsen and lead to severe gum disease.
To prevent further bleeding before your next dentist appointment, try avoiding these detrimental habits:
- Overbrushing
- Brushing aggressively
- Not rinsing your mouth with water
- Smoking
Retracted Gums
If lately, you feel like your smile is bigger than usual, it’s not that your teeth got larger, but that your gum line retracted. Bacteria aren’t that aggressive the minute they enter your mouth, but leaving them be turns them into hard-to-remove plaque and tartar.
As a result, gum tissue loosens up and pulls away from your teeth, exposing the tooth root to harmful substances and opening the door to severe infection and missing teeth. When you notice your gums have gone higher up and become more arched, contact a dentist to receive periodontal care as soon as possible.
Avoid the Effects of Gum Disease with Periodontal Care in Candler, NC
At Cataloochee Dental Group, we teach about gum disease symptoms to give our patients a better understanding of their oral health. If you see any signs of bleeding, recession, swelling, or bad breath, don’t hesitate to contact our team today to book a visit. We offer restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to keep your smile as beautiful as ever!
