Symptoms of Gum Disease That You Should Not Ignore

At its earliest stages, gum disease starts with bacterial overgrowth in your mouth. When you leave it to fester, it can result in serious infections and tooth loss. Because of this, you need to understand the signs of gum disease. When you spot them, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Bleeding Gums

Take a look in the sink next time you brush your teeth. If you notice blood mixing in with your toothpaste, it may be due to gum disease. As plaque begins building up along your gum line, it causes your gums to become inflamed. That inflammation pushes smaller blood vessels closer to your gums' surface, which then makes them more sensitive to your toothbrush bristles. While you await a dental appointment, try switching to a brand of toothpaste or mouthwash that protects your gums.

Pus Coming from Your Gums

As gum disease settles in, you may start to notice pus coming from one area. This is a sign that you're developing an abscess and you need to move quickly to stop the infection from worsening. Although some home remedies may temporarily reduce the pus, only a dentist can clear the infection. If you're also experiencing swelling, have a fever or feel generally unwell, you may need to see an emergency dentist.

Bad Breath and Bad Tastes

Although gum disease isn't the only cause of bad breath and bad tastes, it is one of the leading ones. The bacteria that grow beneath your gum line to form plaque also cause a bad smell. The more plaque they build, the harder it will become for you to remove that smell. If you use toothpaste that specifically focuses on gum disease and floss daily, you should reverse some of the condition's effects. However, they may not eliminate the problem completely. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can assess the severity of the condition and introduce appropriate interventions.

Shifting Teeth

As gum disease progresses, you may find that the tissues supporting your teeth weaken. If you start to feel as though your teeth are loose or that they're moving around, it may be that your gums have significantly weakened. In some cases, it can also mean that your jaw bone is weakening. As one of the advanced signs of gum disease, this is a scenario that requires urgent attention. Make sure you schedule a dental appointment as soon as you can.