Six Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most difficult conditions for patients to detect in its early stages, since its symptoms are often so subtle that the average patient just dismisses the possibility of any serious ailment. Unfortunately, it’s not a condition that can be safely ignored, since it remains one of the main reasons for tooth loss in adults. It’s also easy to treat if it’s detected early, but there’s often a short window of time between those early stages and the more severe effect. Here are six early warning signs that can help you with that early detection.

1. Tender and bleeding gums. Obviously, there are other reasons that your gums can be tender or bleed, but those usually involve things that pass relatively quickly. If you experience bleeding that occurs with regularity, however, you should have your gums examined by a dental professional.

2. Chronic bad breath. We all have bad breath from time to time. If you’re following your oral hygiene regimen, however, and still have bad breath each day, chances are that there’s a problem – and it could be the early stages of gum disease.

3. Loose teeth. If you notice that your teeth feel loose inside your mouth, it could be a sign that your gums are not as healthy as they should be. It’s important to get them checked out as soon as possible before tooth loss becomes a very real threat.

4. Gum recession. When your gums seem to be withdrawing from your teeth, it’s time for a checkup. Receding gums are one of the most obvious signs of periodontal distress, and can lead to a weakening of the bond between tooth and gum – which can make your teeth more vulnerable to loss.

5. Your bite changes. You are probably aware that your mouth has a normal bite, and that your teeth come together in a specific way. When your gums are suffering from disease, it can cause subtle shifts in the way your teeth are positioned. That can lead to changes in your bite that can give you an early indication that something’s wrong with the gums

6. Visible pus around the teeth. If you press on your teeth or gums and see pus around or between the teeth, that can be another clear sign that there’s something wrong. This is not among the most common signs of disease, but it can be one of the easiest to recognize when it is present.

Whenever you encounter any of these six signs, it’s important to schedule an examination appointment at your earliest opportunity. Gum disease can advance rapidly in many patients, so it needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly to protect your teeth and gums from any serious consequences. At Ebenezer Dental, we can help you to identify gum disease and get the treatment you need to restore your oral health. Give us a call today to find out how the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan can help you protect your teeth and gums from disease and other threats to oral health.