Gum Disease Symptoms
Gentle Family Dentistry
382 US Highway 46 Suite 3A
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
(973) 691-1200
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday
8:30am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8:30am - 6:00pm
Friday
8:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday
Closed
Gum Disease Symptoms in Budd Lake
When talking about dental care and oral health in Budd Lake, many people think the beginning and end is keeping teeth brushed and clean. In reality, this is only half the equation of good oral health, with the other half being the gums. While gums may appear soft and delicate, they are much like soil, in that they provide an anchor for the teeth in the mouth, supporting them and solidifying their position in the jaw. Without healthy gums, teeth would be much looser and more prone to infection as gums also act as a shield against plaque and bacteria.
But for all the protection that gums provide to our teeth, they are also vulnerable. Gums, like teeth, can become infected by bacteria. Here are a few of the symptoms you watch for, to make sure that your gums aren’t infected.
While it may be normal to have bad breath in the morning after sleeping all night, that bad breath—especially after brushing or using mouthwash—should not persist. If it does, that may mean that your gums are infected, and the bacteria inside are producing infected or rotting matter, causing your bad breath. Even mouthwash can only temporarily remove this, as the infection continues working all day.
BLEEDING GUMS
If you brush your teeth and notice that your gums bleed regularly, but you’re not experiencing any pain, this may mean you have gingivitis. This is one of the earliest and least intense of the possible forms of gum disease people can contract. Gingivitis only affects the topmost layer of your gums, and can be treated at home with diligent oral care.
If you are brushing your teeth too hard, or only just starting using dental or water floss devices, your gums may initially bleed because they are not accustomed to this treatment. However, if they continue to bleed on a regular basis, this is probably due to an infection.
RECEDING GUMS
If you find that your mouth is looking “toothier” than before, this may mean a receding gum line, which is likely due to gum disease. A receding gum line simply means that your gums are shrinking. They are not receiving the nutrients they require to surround your teeth and are gradually being worn away.
This is a serious symptom, and if you take note of it, you should see a dentist right away to stop the damage from getting worse.
PAIN
If you find that your mouth hurts when you chew, there can be any number of reasons, but one of them can be gum disease. If your gums become tender or swollen, this can make them far more sensitive, and even the act of eating can cause discomfort.
LOOSE TEETH
This is another serious symptom. If you find that your teeth are moving slightly when you chew or move your mouth, it means your gums are likely infected. While this doesn’t necessarily mean your teeth are going to just fall out of your mouth, neglecting this symptom may eventually lead to tooth loss.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should contact our Budd Lake dental team and explain your concerns. Gum disease is not difficult to treat, but it does require a little bit of extra care to return your gums to normal health. And once that is achieved, you can maintain that health with good oral hygiene not just for your teeth, but your gums as well. Call Gentle Family Dentistry today for help.