Having healthy gums is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Gum disease can lead to serious problems if left untreated, so it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your gums. Here are some signs that indicate you may have unhealthy gums:
Left untreated, gum disease erodes the tissue, ligaments and bone that support your teeth. This can lead to a continuing cycle of infection, bad breath and even tooth loss. For example, if you have a piece of food stuck in your gums, swelling should go away once you remove the food particle. But if gum disease causes swollen gums, you’ll probably need treatment.
Sometimes, things you can do at home can give you relief from sore gums. It can also help you know whether you need help from your dentist or other health care professional. Your periodontist may use a dental bone graft to replace bone that you’ve lost to gum disease. Once they clean the infection out, they’ll place bone grafting material into the areas where the bone has eroded. This material acts as scaffolding or a space-holder, giving your body time to regenerate its own bone over time. Gum disease isn’t curable, but it’s manageable with appropriate treatment.
Signs of unhealthy gums:
Bleeding gums can point to gum disease or other general health conditions. If your gums randomly bleed or bleed when you brush, mention it to your dentist or primary care physician. They can find out the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment to get you back on track. If you have swollen gums but you don’t have gum disease, your healthcare provider will need to find out why. They’ll likely order tests to see if you have another health condition like an infection, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. After they find the cause, they’ll recommend the appropriate treatment.
People with periodontitis have a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, dementia and other serious health issues. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing two to three times a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. While having bleeding gums usually isn’t an emergency, you should talk to a healthcare provider if your symptoms linger for more than two weeks. Waiting could cause any underlying conditions to worsen. If another health issue causes bleeding gums, your symptoms may worsen as the underlying condition worsens.
- Bleeding: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
- Swelling: Swollen gums can be a sign of infection or inflammation.
- Receding gums: Gums that are pulling away from the teeth can indicate gum disease.
- Persistent bad breath: Chronic bad breath can be a sign of gum disease.
If plaque remains on the teeth for more than a few days, it becomes tartar. Many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms can be quite mild. However, if it’s left untreated, gingivitis can eventually lead to a much more serious condition called periodontitis and possible tooth loss. Some women find they have gum problems during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
FAQs about gum health:
- Can I reverse gum disease?
- How often should I see a dentist for gum health?
Early stages of gum disease can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. However, advanced gum disease may require more intensive treatment.
It is recommended to see a dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain gum health.
If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about the health of your gums, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
