Periodontitis (gum disease) is quite common, though not many people realize it! In fact, 70.1% of Americans over the age of 65 are affected by the illness. Unfortunately, many patients don’t know what symptoms to look for when it comes to this very serious condition. Worse yet, if gum disease is left untreated, it can have serious impacts on your overall heath. Gum disease has been linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, stroke, and even complications with diabetes and pregnancy. Therefore, make sure you’re aware of these key warning signs for the illness.
1. If your gums bleed…
Do your gums easily bleed when you floss your teeth? Unfortunately, this is not a result of flossing too rigorously. Instead, this is typically indicative of gingivitis—an infection of the gums and the earliest stage of gum disease. This is often the first sign of periodontitis and, thankfully, this early stage of gum disease is easy to treat. Therefore, if you notice bleeding gums, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
2. If your teeth look elongated…
When teeth begin to look longer, this could be a warning sign that your gum disease is progressing. The appearance of elongated teeth actually occurs when your gums recede, or pull back from the tooth. Unfortunately, at this stage it is easy for bacteria and food debris to become lodged in the deepening gum pockets. It can be difficult to remove these particles successfully with a simple toothbrush, which ultimately allows the gum disease to get worse. Therefore, if you notice your teeth are beginning to look longer, it is important to pay a visit to your dentist.
3. If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold…
Another problem associated with gum recession is dental sensitivity. When your gums recede as a result of gum disease, it can expose the roots of your teeth. This makes your teeth hypersensitive to outside stimuli such as drinking hot tea or a cold glass of water. While teeth sensitivity can be related to a number of oral health issues—such as tooth decay—it should never be ignored.
4. If you have high blood sugar…
Unfortunately, high blood sugar not only puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes, but also for gum disease. In fact, those with type 2 diabetes are at a much higher risk for periodontitis. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of high blood sugar—such as headaches, increased thirst, blurred vision, frequent urination, etc.—be sure to have the issue addressed immediately.
5. If your gums are inflamed…
Have you experienced any pain or tenderness in your gums? Do they appear swollen or red? While these symptoms aren’t always guaranteed to accompany gum disease, they are definitely a sign of infected gum tissue. Therefore, make sure you have this inflammation or tenderness of the gums addressed before the issue can progress.
One of the best treatments for gum disease is prevention! By visiting your dentist every six months, you can prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health. To schedule your next appointment with your dentist, call Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics today!