5 Symptoms of Unhealthy Gums
When we see a big white smile, the last thing we’ll notice is the condition of someone’s gums. The signs of unhealthy gums are often overlooked, which can lead to a variety of other issues if problem gums aren’t taken care of sooner rather than later.
Overlooked gum issues can develop into periodontal disease, gingivitis – or even bone and tooth loss.
The 5 signs of unhealthy gums and periodontal issues
To help you determine when it’s time to seek out a dental or medical professional, here are the top 5 symptoms to look for in unhealthy gums:
1. Inflamed Gums
Healthy gums should be more a shade of pink than red, and also firm to the touch. Watch out for red, swollen and even painful-to-touch gums as these are often the early stages of gingivitis.
Cause: Often the cause of gingivitis is a build-up of plaque along the gum line. Inside this plaque live tons of bacteria, which can cause irritation and infection.
Solution: Regularly visit your dentist for a cleaning and check-up to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
2. Bleeding Gums & a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
One of the most common signs of gum disease is bleeding gums when brushing, flossing or even just eating. Often, you’ll taste the blood, which leaves a lingering metallic taste in the mouth.
Cause: That same build-up of plaque at the base of the teeth, along the gum line can cause inflammation, swelling and bleeding.
Solution: Try a more gentle brushing and flossing routine and rinse out your mouth with warm salt water throughout the day to help calm the irritation and mitigate that metallic taste. Because it may be gum disease that is in an advanced stage, be sure to book in an exam with your dentist.
3. Bad Breath
Unfortunately, many people struggle with bad breath, which is more than just a social problem. Bad breath is often a sign of gum disease.
Cause: Usually, halitosis (bad breath) is a result of poor dental hygiene leading to food becoming trapped in between teeth. Foul-smelling bacteria starts to grow from trapped bits of food, inflaming the gums and causing other oral issues.
Solution: Daily flossing removes food particles and keeps the gums clean. Also, routine dental cleanings will help keep bacteria along the gum line at bay!
4. Excess Saliva
Saliva is a good thing: the enzymes in it help to prevent bad breath and even kill off bad bacteria and germs inside the mouth. However, too much saliva production can be a sign of unhealthy gums.
Cause: Your body is creating too much saliva because of an unhealthy build-up of bacteria that could be causing gum disease.
Solution: Try a warm salt water gargle to ease the discomfort and schedule an appointment to see your dentist. Excess saliva could be an indicator of gum disease which your dentist should be able to help you with.
5. Loose Teeth
One of the scariest symptoms of unhealthy gums are loose teeth. This is a big indicator of advanced gum disease known as periodontitis or periodontal disease.
Cause: Gum disease, left for too long, can develop a variety of serious symptoms, including so much swelling in the gums that it will actually loosen your teeth. This can lead to tooth and bone loss and severely affect oral and overall health.
Solution: Immediately book in with your dentist so they can create an action plan to treat the issue and help improve your oral health.
When in doubt about your gum health, book an appointment
Your gums are a part of the foundation and the structure for your teeth. They need to be healthy to keep your teeth healthy, and so it’s always better to book in with your dentist for an examination if you’re wondering about the health of your gums. Treatment is always easier and more effective if you catch gum disease sooner than later!