As you know, gum infection is a serious problem not only for your oral health, but also for your overall health, as periodontal bacteria can spread throughout your body. They significantly increase your risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. Unless diagnosed early and treated with general dental care, periodontal disease (periodontitis) will lead to tooth loss as these bacteria cause the gums to recede from the teeth they support.

The Early Stage of Gum Disease is Painless!

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is painless and can become more pronounced over time, so it’s important to brush twice a day and floss before bed. Equally important to prevent serious problems is to have a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist and a complete dental exam by a dentist at least twice a year.

Signs that you may have a progressive gum infection:

Bleeding after brushing or flossing

Healthy gums shouldn’t have this, but they bleed easily when bacteria build up around the gum line.

If your teeth look longer than they did a few years ago

This is probably due to gum recession because the infected gums are gradually receding from providing full support for the teeth.

Teeth are more sensitive

Some people have naturally sensitive teeth and a specific toothpaste should be used for this. But if you notice an increase in pain, it may be because the apex of a root of the tooth, which is the lower part of the tooth that is fixed to the jaw and is normally covered with gums, is exposed.

Persistent bad breath

If you’ve never noticed your bad breath and no one has ever complained, but the odor doesn’t go away no matter how much you brush or mouthwash, it could be due to a serious dental plaque. When periodontal bacteria first attaches to the teeth and is not brushed and flossed, this turns into a fine substance called plaque. Over time, it can harden into tartar, requiring a hygienist to remove it with special tools, techniques, and antibacterial solutions.

If your bite is different

If you notice a difference in the way your upper and lower jaws fit together, the alignment may be misaligned due to less support from the gums or due to the erosion of one or more teeth from the infected jawbone. If it is the latter, then a bone graft may be needed and if the teeth are loose, they may need to be removed and replaced with dental implants or a dental bridge.

If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to contact your dentist.