Gum disease can lead to some very uncomfortable situations. However, one thing that makes it so challenging to recognize is that it tends to be relatively painless in its beginning stages.
Fortunately, you can educate yourself as to some of the early signs of gum disease, enabling yourself to recognize it long before it reaches the point of causing you pain.
Bleeding of the Gum Tissue
One of the most common early indicators of gum disease is gum tissue that bleeds easily. You may notice bleeding after you brush your teeth, or after flossing for the first time in a period of days. This bleeding is your first sign that you need to pay more attention to your regular oral hygiene routine.
Fortunately, gum disease is highly reversible, especially if you catch it early enough. So if you do happen to notice your gums bleeding after you brush or floss, just make it a point to regularly and thoroughly clean your teeth. The bleeding should stop happening within a few days.
Persistent Bad Breath
If you have bad breath that keeps coming back, it could be a sign of gum disease. Remember, gum disease is an infection in your gum tissue, meaning that your gums are probably discharging foul-smelling fluids. Thus, if you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, gum disease could very well be the culprit.
Swollen or Red Gum Tissue
Your gum tissue should be a healthy pink color. If you notice that it is becoming reddened, or if your gum tissue is starting to swell in places, there is a good chance that you have the initial stages of gum disease. As with bleeding gum tissue, this is an early indicator and should resolve itself with the initiation of a proper oral hygiene routine.
Pay paying attention and watching for these and other signs, you can catch gum disease before it progresses. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
