Good oral health isn’t just about taking care of your teeth – taking care of your gums is important, too. After all, your gums keep your teeth in place, and if they aren’t healthy it can lead to problems with your teeth and even eventually your jaw bone. Here are some signs that you may have gum disease and it is time to see your dentist for help.
Watch out for gum disease!
Some signs of gum disease are easier to spot than others. You may have gum disease if you have:
- Gums that are red, puffy, and swollen and that hurt when you brush or floss. Gums should be pink and firm and not painful at all. Any sort of discomfort when you are taking care of your teeth is a sign that something is wrong.
- Gums that are receding. You may notice that your teeth seem larger than they used to or even that the roots are visible. Receding gums can be a sign of advanced gum disease.
- Gums that are tender and often bleed. You may notice that when you brush or floss that there is some blood, which is not a normal occurrence with healthy gums.
However, there are other signs that may indicate you have gum disease that you may mistake for something else, such as:
- Sensitive teeth, which can be caused by many other things, such as a cavity or tooth decay. You may feel pain when chewing or when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
- Persistent bad breath. You may not think this is related to problems with your gums, but it can be caused by plaque and bacteria that hasn’t been sufficiently removed from your gums and teeth and that can hide in the “pockets” that form as gums separate from the teeth when you have gum disease.
Even if you aren’t sure that you have gum disease, having pain or discomfort with your gums is a sign that something is wrong and that you should see your dentist. Call the Cabot, Arkansas office of Dr. Samuel Jirik at (501) 843-9561 to make an appointment today!