![]() Although sore and bleeding gums are the most common symptoms of gum disease, they are not always present or noticeable. While many patients do not realize they are suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis before visiting their dentist, there are signs that may help you recognize the problem early. These are six symptoms of gum disease that should still prompt a professional exam. 1. Smelly Floss and Bad Breath Everyone wakes up with bad breath, or halitosis, on occasion, but chronic bad breath should not be ignored. Besides harming your personal and professional relationships, halitosis is a warning that your dental tissues are battling an infection in an unclean environment. Another thing you may notice is that your used floss has a foul odor. The bacteria that form plaque cause gum disease. These bacteria feed off sugars and other nutrients in your mouth, producing noxious gases as a byproduct. These gases create the smell associated with bad breath. Floss carries this odor away when it picks up the plaque, but the odor also escapes your mouth as you breathe, causing halitosis.2. Loose Teeth Your gums are an essential support system for your teeth, and your gums ensure your teeth remain nourished, protected, and secure. Weakened gums recede away from the teeth, providing less stability and opening them up to tooth decay. Adult teeth that wiggle when you push them or chew indicate that the teeth are not receiving everything they need to stay healthy. You should visit a dentist as quickly as possible to prevent a potential break or tooth loss.3. A Metallic Taste You are probably familiar with the metallic taste of blood, but what does it mean if that taste never seems to go away? A persistent metallic taste in the mouth may be caused by chronically bleeding gums or a type of gum disease known as Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, or ANUG. ANUG is a severe, uncommon form of gum disease that must be treated immediately. A metallic taste is not just limited to gum disease. This symptom may reveal the presence of other issues such as autoimmune disorders or it may just be a side effect of your medication. If you visit your dentist and get a clean bill of health, then you may want to check with your doctor as well to resolve this irritating symptom.4. Excess Saliva Production Saliva is another line of defense between your mouth and the outside world. Besides breaking down foods prior to digestion, saliva also fights infection and the bacteria that cause them. Lack of saliva is one of the primary reasons smokers are more prone to periodontitis. When your body notices an infection in your mouth, it may produce more saliva than usual in an effort to combat it.5. Red or Purple Gums Healthy gums are typically a vibrant pink. This shows that their tissues are receiving the right blood flow and nutrients for normal function. Gums that are battling infection often become discolored. In most cases, they turn a deep red or even purplish hue. Whenever you notice that your gums are looking darker than normal, it may be your sign to schedule a dental exam.6. New Gaps in Your Smile In advanced cases of periodontitis, the gums continue to recede until they leave most of the tooth exposed. Teeth begin to look longer, and you may notice gaps forming along your gum-line. Your bite will likely change further as your teeth loosen and shift - if you let the gum disease progress without action. Gum disease is a stubborn condition that can leave you feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Worse, when left untreated, an ongoing bacterial infection in your mouth can soon impact your overall health. Both heart disease and cancer are now associated with severe periodontitis. ' To preserve your teeth and health for decades to come, floss regularly, and be sure to schedule an appointment with our experienced team at Tomsik Family Dentistry.
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