According to the CDC half of American adults have gum disease. If this were any other disease, this would be considered a national health emergency.
And yet, people don’t take periodontal diseases as serious as they should. If you’re debating whether or not you should visit a periodontist, here are 6 telltale signs your mouth is your begging you to go.
1. BLEEDING GUMS
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Many people deal with this issue, and it’s indicative of poor gum health. Bleeding means that plaque buildup has inflamed your gums and made them more sensitive.
It may not be serious, but it at least means you’re due for a cleaning…and better dental hygiene overall.
2. BAD BREATH
People have their own ideas about where bad breath comes from, but the fact is that it comes from a buildup of harmful bacteria in your gum tissue. If you suffered from chronic bad breath that all the mints in the world can’t fix, this is likely your problem.
3. RECEDING GUMS
Are your roots showing? It’s a much more serious problem with teeth than it is with dyed hair. If you’ve noticed your gums are covering less of your teeth over time, this is the result of plaque buildup.
This is, again, a result of poor hygiene and irregular periodontist visits. Of the three symptoms we’ve mentioned so far, this is the most serious. Try to make an appointment immediately if you’re experiencing gum recession.
4. SORE GUMS
Healthy gums should be an almost bubble-gum pink and be stiff and firm. If your gums are sore to the touch and feel soft, you’ve likely got an advanced case of gingivitis.
This is as serious an issue as gum recession, as one leads to the other most of the time.
5. TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Do your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold liquids or eat ice cream? Does a cold wind at your face make your teeth ache? This is as a symptom of exposed teeth roots. This happens when your gums recede all the way to your bottom of your teeth.
So in case you haven’t notice your gums receding, this symptom should tip you off.
6. LOOSE TEETH
If you have loose teeth and you’re over the age of 18, odds are that it isn’t the result of your grown-up teeth coming in. As an adult, loose teeth is a symptom of pockets of bacteria forming around the roots of your teeth in your gums.
As the bacteria grow, the bone and connective tissue deteriorate, making your teeth fall out.
READY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PERIODONTIST?
This article wasn’t meant to scare you, but to alert you to the serious consequences of putting your gum health on the backburner. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a periodontist, be sure to contact us via phone or email. We’ll help you get your oral health back into tip-top shape!