Oral health problems, such as gum disease, should always be considered seriously. Technically, gum disease is an infection that can be treated and reversed if caught early. In the United States, chronic periodontitis, which occurs during the early stages of gum disease, affects about 47.2% of adults over the age of 30.
Chronic periodontitis can lead to more serious problems, such as tooth loss. That’s why you should always contact your dentist if you see the following warning signs of gum disease.
Red or Inflamed Gums
If your gums are inflamed, swollen, and you feel pain, then you need to visit a Holly Springs dentist ASAP. That’s because red or swollen gums are a common sign of periodontal disease or gingivitis. Normally, you’re not supposed to feel any pain or tenderness in your gums, so if you do, you have a right to be concerned.
Bleeding Gums
When the bacteria that live in your mouth produce acids and toxins, your gums can become chronically inflamed. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis, which later develops into periodontitis. Typically, bleeding of the gums occurs when you are brushing your teeth, flossing, or chewing on hard foods. Getting dental treatment from your Holly Springs dentist at this early stage can help prevent more serious problems down the line.
Bad Breath or Taste
If you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, then it may be an early warning sign of gum disease. In any case, it’s best to get it checked out because having bad breath can affect your confidence and self-image. The bad breath or taste is caused by bacteria that produce waste products in your mouth.
Receding Gums
Periodontitis is a condition that develops slowly in most instances. But if you pay careful attention, you may notice your teeth appear longer than they used to be. This often happens because as your gums break down, they will begin separating from your teeth.
There are many early warning signs of gum disease, and these are the more common ones. Again, it’s never a good idea to ignore these signs because gum disease can lead to more serious conditions, such as tooth loss.
Therefore, scheduling an appointment with your Holly Springs dentist as soon as you notice the problem helps you avoid more hassle and pain down the line. During your appointment, your dentist will be able to remove tartar to minimize your risk of developing periodontitis.
We are currently accepting new patients and accept a wide variety of insurance providers. You can reach our Holly Springs dentist office at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203. Additionally, you can also fill out our contact form or schedule an appointment.