Are your gums red and swollen? Does it hurt when something touches them? These are both early signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If it’s left unchecked it can quickly develop into periodontitis. If you feel like this is starting to happen to you, you’re not alone.
One out of every two adults in America who are over the age of thirty is right there with you. The good news is that if you notice the symptoms of gingivitis early enough and begin to act, it can be reversed.
To reverse it, your teeth and gums will need professional cleaning by a dentist. You’ll have to pick up a good oral hygiene routine as well. Keep reading to learn what the symptoms are so you can begin your treatment as soon as possible.
Inflammation of the Gums
Gingivitis first begins as red, swollen gums. You’ll feel discomfort and pain every time something touches them. This happens because the plaque that’s resting on your teeth releases toxins that put a strain on your gum tissue.
If these toxins are allowed to sit on your gum line, you will develop gingivitis over time.
Your Teeth Appear to be Longer
Many people with gingivitis will experience recessed gums. Since recessed gums tend to show off more of the tooth than healthy ones, your teeth will appear to be a little longer when you smile in the mirror.
Pocket Between Your Teeth and Gum
A small pocket may appear between your teeth and gums. If bits of food fall into this pocket, bacteria will begin to form around it and irritate your gum tissue.
If you avoid treatment and don’t visit a dentist, an infection will most likely develop.
Bad Breath
No matter how much mouthwash you gargle with in the morning, if you have gum disease, it’s not going to do much good. Your breath is going to smell regardless.
Most of the time this bad breath will be accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth that you can’t seem to get rid of.
Pus Between Your Tooth and Gum
Remember those pockets we were talking about before. Sometimes a thick, yellow pus can develop in them. As the pressure in your gums builds the pus may swell up and become quite painful.
When this happens, it’s very likely that your condition has gone past gingivitis and is teetering into periodontitis disease territory. You may have an abscess as well. Whatever the source is, you need to see a dentist right away to deal with the infection.
Common Symptoms of Gingivitis
If your gums are beginning to swell or you’re starting to feel any pain at all, you may be experiencing the beginning symptoms of gingivitis. If you catch the signs early enough and begin treatment your condition might be reversible.
Contact us and request an appointment with our lead dentist today to get started on restoring your smile. We can’t wait to work with you.