One of the most common causes of tooth loss is periodontal disease. However, many people fail to realise that there is a problem because the gum disease may progress without causing any dental discomfort in the individual. This article discusses some of the possible signs of gum disease that you should be on the lookout for so that you do not lose any teeth to this disease.

Bleeding Gums

Many people have the misconception that their gums bleed only because they use a lot of energy as they brush their teeth. The truth is that gums can also bleed when bacteria causes the gum tissues to become inflamed. You should therefore see a dentist to confirm what is causing your gums to bleed so that you do not let a bacterial infection worsen.

Bad Breath

Another sign that you could be developing periodontal disease is bad breath. The bad breath may come from the accumulation of plaque in the spaces between your teeth. That plaque provides ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Before long, your gums will become inflamed as your immune system tries to fight off the bacteria that have taken residence in your mouth. Some foods, such as raw garlic, can also cause bad breath. It is therefore very important to have your bad breath investigated so that any gum disease found is treated early.

Red Gums

Take a close look at your gums in a mirror. Do you see any redness in the gum tissue close to your gum line? That redness could be an indicator of inflammation due to a gum infection. This redness is easy to spot because it will be more pronounced than any redness that you may have in the rest of the gum tissues in your mouth.

Swollen Gums

When bacteria are present in your gum tissues, the body reacts by pumping more blood containing white blood cells to that area. This increased volume of blood in the affected area may cause the gums to swell. The swelling may also be due to other factors, such as the existence of a higher quantity of dead gum tissues or due to trauma caused by your toothbrush. However, any swelling that you notice should not be ignored because it may be a warning sign that you have a gum disease.

Sensitive Gums

You may also experience some sensitivity in your gums when you brush. Gum disease may also cause you to be sensitive to cold or hot things. This is because the disease may have caused the roots of your teeth to be exposed to the substances that you eat or drink.

There may be no particular order in which the signs above appear. However, do not be fooled into doing nothing if a sign briefly appears and then stops. Visit a dental clinic like Dental Smile Clinic as soon as possible so that any gum disease is treated before it causes extensive damage to your dental health.