Blog Post

Do You Have Gum Disease?

  • By Marie Simon Dentistry
  • •
  • 21 Mar, 2019
  • •
Dentist examining and cleaning a girl's mouth for gum disease.
Dentist examining a girl's mouth.

Around half of American adults suffer from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease causes a plethora of oral issues from bad breath, sore and swollen gums, jaw bone deterioration, and tooth decay.

You can have gum disease and not even know it. Luckily, you can treat gum disease with the help of your dentist. Here are signs you may have gum disease; continue to seek dental treatments on the regular for checkups and cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.

Your Gums are Discolored

As periodontal disease progresses, your gums respond by becoming darker in color. While healthy gums are light pink to soft red in color, infected gums are bright red to an almost black hue. You may notice healthy portions of gum tissue but also see mottled red or purplish spots in your mouth, especially behind teeth where brushing is more difficult.

Your Gums are Tender

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss? Are your gums tender to the touch or feel achy throughout the day? In addition to having tender gums, the roots of your teeth may also feel tender or more sensitive, making your mouth feel like it's tight or in a small vice.

Your Breath is Foul

Chronic bad breath should always be checked out by your dentist, because bad breath can be a sign of oral decay. Press gently on your gums and see if your breath worsens or if a foul-tasting liquid emits from your gum tissue; if your gums are a cause of your bad breath, this small test will help confirm your suspicions.

Your Jaw Hurts

Does your jaw feel tight and achy? You may have an oral health issue causing your jaw to feel tight or sore, and gum disease is one of these concerns. Other causes for jaw pain include teeth grinding and poor tooth alignment, so don't ignore this discomfort.

Conclusion

Always have your dental issues examined by a dentist. At Marie Simon Dentistry, we treat a variety of dental issues; contact us today.

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