Gum disease affects most of us at some point in our lives, so knowing how to spot it and what to do can be very useful. Leaving it untreated can be detrimental to your dental health and lead to many more problems that are harder to remove.
So what are the symptoms of gum disease? To know when it is time to action, we must first know what the signs of gum disease are.
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
Above are the early symptoms of gum disease which is known as gingivitis, to follow are some more advanced symptoms that affect the actual teeth and is called periodontitis.
- Bad Bread (halitosis)
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Loose or separating teeth that may make it difficult to eat
- Receding gum line
- Mouth sores
- Pus seeping from gums
- Changes to your bite
The first step is prevention. To prevent gum disease it is essential that your brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily and do not smoke.
Electric toothbrushes are said to be best, but you can use manual brushes too. Make sure you brush with fluoride toothpaste and make sure that plaque and tartar do not build up on your teeth.
If you have any of the symptoms above, book an appointment with a dentist so they can clean your teeth thoroughly and help you remove and prevent your gum disease.