Your oral health is important for your overall well-being. In fact, your oral health can act like a window for your overall health, as there are connections between what’s happening in your mouth and various medical conditions. In addition to having healthy teeth, maintaining your gum health is extremely important. Gum disease in Flower Mound can lead to a wide range of issues such as receding gums, sensitive teeth, and even tooth loss. Read on to learn about the warning signs of gum disease and see what you can do about it, since gum disease is reversible if it is caught early on.
Tender Gums
Gingivit is is the earliest stage of gum disease, and is treatable. If you notice that your gums are red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily when you brush and floss, it is possible that you have gingivitis. It’s important to treat gingivitis with the help of a dentist so that it does not progress to more severe periodontal disease.
Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath once in a while, but chronic bad breath could be a sign of periodontal disease. The bacteria present in the mouth can cause a foul odor that doesn’t seem to go away for very long, even when you brush your teeth or use mouthwash. If your bad breath seems persistent, let your dentist know.
Receding Gums
Gum recession can happen as a result of heredity, or it may be a warning sign of gum disease. You may notice that your teeth appear longer, or you may experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks. Receding gums can leave you more susceptible to developing root cavities.
Loose Teeth
If gum disease is not treated, it can start to affect the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. Teeth can start to shift or loosen, and may eventually even fall out if gum disease progresses far enough. In order to preserve your natural teeth, talk to your dentist about any changes you’ve noticed in your oral health.