Gum disease is alarmingly common in the United States. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of the illness. While visiting your dentist every six months is the best way to prevent and treat this oral health condition, you may be able to catch symptoms of this illness between visits. To see if you’re exhibiting any symptoms, take this easy self-evaluation quiz!
Are your gums inflamed or red?
If your teeth are looking red or inflamed, it is important to visit the dentist right away. While healthy gums are typically pink and firm, redness and inflammation is often a sign of infection. By visiting your dentist sooner rather than later, you can avoid this infection causing further damage to your gums or jawbone.
Do your gums bleed when you floss?
If you answered yes, then you may have gingivitis! Many people mistake this symptom as a sign of brushing or flossing too rigorously, but this is not the case. This infection of the gums is caused by a buildup of tartar and plaque along your gum line. While gingivitis is highly treatable at this stage, it can progress to gum disease if left for too long.
Do you suffer from halitosis?
Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is symptomatic of a number of illnesses—from dry mouth to gastrointestinal disorders. However, halitosis can also be indicative of gum disease, as odor-causing bacteria can also be causing damage to your gums.
Do you have a persistent metallic taste in your mouth?
A metallic taste in your mouth is actually often the taste of blood. Therefore, if you taste this frequently, your gums may be bleeding regardless of whether you’ve seen it after brushing or flossing. This is ultimately a sign of inflammation and infection, and should be treated promptly by a dentist.
Are any of your teeth loose?
In its later stages, gum disease can cause enough damage to your gum tissues and jawbone that it can actually cause you to lose your teeth. If your teeth are feeling loose, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to a number of serious health issues such as heart disease, respiratory illness, stroke, and even complications with pregnancy.
Do your teeth look longer than before?
A receding gum line is also indicative of periodontal (gum) disease. If your teeth are beginning to look elongated, this means that your gums are slowly pulling away from the base of your teeth. Not only does this cause aesthetic problems with your smile, but it can also lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms like dental sensitivity.
Do your teeth hurt when they come into contact with heat or cold?
Teeth sensitivity is not always indicative of gum disease, but it should not be considered normal. If your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold, the root or nerves in your tooth are exposed. This can be caused by tooth decay or receding gum tissue. Regardless, it is important to have this issue remedied before the damage becomes too great.
The best treatment of gum disease is prevention! Luckily this harmful illness is easily prevented with a solid dental hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist.
To ensure your gums are in good health, schedule your next dental check-up today at Dental Roots in Naperville.